Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide is the major component of endotoxin. Lipid A is primarily responsible for the endotoxin toxicity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: RBC from preterm and full-term neonates (day 5-7 of age), from cord of full-term neonates and adults were incubated with lipid A (50 μg/ml RBC) in vitro for 30 and 60 min. Lipid A binding to RBC was studied using a passive hemolysis test. Lipid A sensitized RBC were hemolysed with anti-lipid A and guinea pig complement. Hemolysis was expressed as hemoglobin concentration (extinction at 546 nm) in the supernatant.
RESULTS:
CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that lipid A is bound to RBC membranes in adults, term and preterm neonates after 30 and 60 min incubation. The hemolytic activity was stronger for adult RBC compared with term and preterm neonates. No hemolysis was detected after lipid A incubation of cord blood RBC. We speculate that cord and less pronounced neonatal RBC are protected against lipid A insertion into membranes.
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Pöschl, J., Schnauffer, M. & Linderkamp, O. 193 ARE NEONATAL RED BLOOD CELLS PROTECTED AGAINST ENDOTOXIN?. Pediatr Res 36, 35 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00193
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00193