Cellular- and permeability-changes in the peritoneal cavity of mice after injection of endotoxon.

Injection of endotoxin into the peritoneal cavity of mice causes an early emigration of PMN-leucocytes and therafter a decrease in macrophage count. The number of lymphocytes shows only a transient increase. One and 2 injections of endotoxin rise the fibrinogen and protein level of the peritoneal fluid. A simple test for measuring the change in permeability (and lymph circulation) was described ("congo red elimination's test"). Changes in permeability occur after a latent period of 2 hours following endotoxin administration, culminate during the 1st day and last about 3-4 days. The possible mechanisms of the above phenomena are discussed.