Detection of endotoxin in mice by measurement of endotoxin-induced changes in plasma concentrations of zinc and of the acute-phase protein serum amyloid P-component.

Preparations of six bacterial endotoxins reduced plasma concentrations of zinc and increased concentrations of the acute-phase protein serum amyloid P component (SAP) in mice. The changes were sufficiently sensitive to permit use of either response in tests for endotoxin and hence for pyrogenic contamination.