The generalized Shwartzman reaction in pigs induced by diet and single injection of disintegrated cells or partially purified endotoxin from Escherichia coli.

Two experiments (Exps. I and II) were performed in pigs to test the effect of disintegrated cells and partially purified endotoxin derived from E. coli. The pigs were fed a diet supplemented with cod liver oil in one group, cod liver oil plus vitamin E in another group, and only commercial pig food in a third group. After one injection of disintegrated cells in Exp. I, lesions characteristic for generalized Shwartzman reaction (GSR), including hemorrhagic necrosis of the skin developed in the two groups given cod liver oil. A single case was also recorded among the control pigs after injection of a large dose. One injection of partially purified endotoxin in Exp. II gave almost similar results as in Exp. I. These two experiments show that pigs fed relatively high amounts of unsaturated fat are predisposed for the GSR and that vitamin E may, to a certain extent, protect against the development of the reaction.