The generalized Shwartzman reaction induced by a single injection of endotoxin in pigs fed 2 vitamin E deficient commercial diet.

An experimental generalized Shwartzman reaction (GSR) induced in pigs by endotoxin from Escherichia coli has been reported previously ( 1973, 1973). The diet given to the pigs seemed to influence the outcome of the experiments. It has been found difficult to provoke GSR in pigs fed a commercial diet, even when the E. coli endotoxin is given as a single, relatively large dose or as 2 properly spaced doses ( 1976). induced the GSR by continuous infusion of endotoxin. In connection with 1 experiment in pigs, changes indicative of GSR were observed among a group of animals fed a commercial diet and receiving a small single dose of endotoxin. These observations are presented in this paper.