Nitric oxide donors in sepsis: a systematic review of clinical and in vivo preclinical data.

An abundant literature in the field of sepsis focuses on the role of NO. Inhibiting NO synthesis corrects certain hemodynamic parameters of septic shock but failed to improve outcome in patients. Conversely, administration of NO donors lowers blood pressure but restores microcirculatory flow in patients with sepsis.

Ron receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent hepatic neutrophil recruitment and survival benefit in a murine model of bacterial peritonitis.

Objective: To determine whether Ron receptor tyrosine kinase signaling affects the in vivo response to bacterial peritonitis.

Design: Experimental study.

Setting: University laboratory.

Pentastarch in a balanced solution reduces hepatic leukocyte recruitment in early sepsis.

Objective: To characterize the hepatic leukocyte endothelial cell interactions occurring in early sepsis and to determine whether this is influenced by fluid treatment.

Methods: Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and perforation in C57Bl/6 mice. One of 6 iv fluid regimes was given immediately postsurgery and at 6 h.

Lung development and susceptibility to ventilator-induced lung injury.

Rationale: Ventilator-induced lung injury has been predominantly studied in adults.

Objectives: To explore the effects of age and lung development on susceptibility to such injury.

Methods: Ex vivo isolated nonperfused rat lungs (infant, juvenile, and adult) were mechanically ventilated where VT was based on milliliters per kilogram of body weight or as a percentage of the measured total lung capacity (TLC).

Drug evaluation: E-5564.

Eisai Co Ltd is developing the injectable endotoxin antagonist E-5564, for the potential prevention of the pathophysiological effects of endotoxin-mediated responses caused by bacterial infection, including septic shock.

Tifacogin (Chiron Corp/Pharmacia Corp).

Tifacogin is a recombinant tissue factor pathway inhibitor (rTFPI) under development by Pharmacia Corp (formerly GD Searle) and Chiron as a potential treatment for sepsis. The product is in phase III trials [406208]. In July 2000, Pharmacia anticipated regulatory filings in 2002 [374505].