[The evaluation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentration in body fluids in local and systemic endotoxin exposure]

Tumor-necrosis factor alpha (TNF) has been shown to have a pivotal role in mediating biological effects of endotoxins. Therefore, TNF measurement in the circulation is thought to be a useful diagnostic and prognostic instrument in patients exposed to endotoxin. However, the character of the TNF response depends on the mode of endotoxin exposure and is influenced by a variety of factors. Furthermore, to interpret the TNF state, the regulative effects of the two soluble TNF receptors have to be considered. Finally, the current techniques of TNF determination have to be improved and standardized to obtain reliable and comparable results and to establish TNF measurement as a valuable laboratory parameter.