Effect of mono-dose intraperitoneal cecropins in experimental septic shock.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of three cecropins, cecropin A, cecropin B, and cecropin P1, in preventing lethality in a rat model of septic shock.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, controlled animal study.


METHODS
Research laboratory in a university hospital.


METHODS
Adult male Wistar rats.


METHODS
Rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of 2 x 10(10) colony forming units of Escherichia coli, with the exception of the uninfected control group (C0). Animals were randomized to receive, immediately after bacterial challenge, intraperitoneally isotonic sodium chloride solution (untreated control group C1), 1 mg/kg cecropin A (group 2), 1 mg/kg cecropin B (group 3), 1 mg/kg cecropin P1 (group 4), 20 mg/kg imipenem (group 5), or 60 mg/kg piperacillin (group 6). Each group included 15 animals.


RESULTS
We measured bacterial growth (quantitative agar culture) in abdominal exudate and plasma, endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentration in plasma, and mortality. Results were evaluated at 48 hrs after inoculation. Cecropins, piperacillin, and imipenem significantly reduced the lethality and the number of E. coli in abdominal fluid compared with saline treatment. In addition, cecropin B significantly decreased the lethality compared with piperacillin treatment. Finally, only cecropins significantly reduced plasma endotoxin concentration.


CONCLUSIONS
Mono-dose cecropin treatment prevents bacterial growth, endotoxemia, and mortality in rats with septic shock. Cecropin B was the most effective compound in reducing all variables measured.
Giacometti
A
A
Institute of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Research Department, Instituto Nazionale Riposo E Cura Anziani, Instituto Ricerca E Cura A Carattere Scientifico, A. I. University of Ancona, Ancona, Italy. cmalinf@popcsi.unian.it
Cirioni
O
O
Ghiselli
R
R
Viticchi
C
C
Mocchegiani
F
F
Riva
A
A
Saba
V
V
Scalise
G
G
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010455:Peptides; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D019476:Insect Proteins; D010455:Peptides; C031161:cecropin A; C031162:cecropin B protein, Insecta; C070016:cecropin P1-LI