Correlation between endotoxin-neutralizing capacity of human plasma as tested by the limulus-amebocyte-lysate-test and plasma protein levels

FEBS Lett. 1990 Dec 17;277(1-2):33-6. doi: 10.1016/0014-5793(90)80803-q.

Abstract

In the present study the endotoxin-neutralizing capacity of human plasma obtained from healthy volunteers was determined by use of the limulus-amebocyte-lysate test. The extent of the endotoxin-neutralizing capacity which showed a very broad variation was correlated to the plasma levels of some proteins which are believed to contribute to endotoxin transport and detoxification. The plasma levels of alpha 2-macroglobulin and transferrin, the major transport proteins, as well as the levels of IgG, IgA and IgM and apoprotein A were not significantly correlated to the neutralizing capacity. Only the apoprotein B, the major apoprotein of the low density lipoprotein fraction shows a significant correlation. Together with previously published results it should be concluded that low density lipoproteins are involved in the endogenous endotoxin-neutralizing reaction occurring in human plasma, at least when high doses of endotoxin are administered. Nevertheless the endotoxin-neutralizing reaction seems to be a very complex multistep process.

MeSH terms

  • Apolipoproteins A / analysis
  • Apolipoproteins B / analysis
  • Blood Proteins / analysis*
  • Endotoxins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Endotoxins / blood
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / analysis
  • Limulus Test
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / analysis
  • Transferrin / analysis
  • alpha-Macroglobulins / analysis

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins A
  • Apolipoproteins B
  • Blood Proteins
  • Endotoxins
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • Transferrin
  • alpha-Macroglobulins