Protection against an Escherichia coli-induced sepsis by alkaline phosphatase in mice.

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is a phosphate transferase present in bacteria and eukaryotes. In previous studies, we have shown that AP is able to dephosphorylate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at physiological pH levels. Because LPS is the causative agent of gram-negative sepsis, we hypothesize that AP might be used as a medication during early stages of LPS-induced septic shock.