Organ specific apoptosis following polymicrobial intraperitoneal infection.
BACKGROUND
Leukocyte apoptosis allows safe removal of potentially harmful cells and facilitates resolution of inflammation. We hypothesized that the number of apoptotic cells changes in a disproportionate fashion in parenchymal organs in response to intra-abdominal infection.


METHODS
The percentage of apoptotic cells in the liver, spleen, lung, and peripheral blood was evaluated following cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice. Tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were measured as an index of neutrophil extravasation.


RESULTS
Liver & spleen MPO continually increased, while lung MPO remained low after CLP. In parallel to the increase in MPO, liver & spleen apoptosis continually increased throughout the 9-day follow-up period, whereas lung apoptosis remained unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
The distribution of apoptotic cells during intraperitoneal infection occurs in an organ specific manner, with significant increases in the spleen and liver. This distribution likely reflected the clearance of apoptotic cells as the inflammatory focus became contained.
Franklin
G A
GA
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Louisville, Ambulatory Care Building, 550 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
Turina
M
M
Kuhn
J F
JF
Turpen
R
R
Peyton
J C
JC
Cheadle
W G
WG
D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000201:enzymology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009928:Organ Specificity; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D013154:Spleen / Q000473:pathology
D009195:Peroxidase