Combination of dehydroepiandrosterone and orthovanadate administration reduces intestinal leukocyte recruitment in models of experimental sepsis.

Background: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was shown to improve the immune function and survival in experimental sepsis. This study examined the effect of DHEA on intestinal leukocyte recruitment during experimental sepsis, considering factors of gender (male, female and ovariectomized female animals) and combined treatment using orthovanadate (OV) in two models of sepsis.

Methodology/findings: Male rats underwent colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP) or endotoxemia.