Role of monocyte apoptosis for the final outcome of the septic host with peritonitis

Introduction

Former studies have shown that monocyte apoptosis is crucial for the final outcome of sepsis in the field of acute pyelonephritis [1]. The significance of apoptosis in acute intra-abdominal infection was studied.

Methods

Acute peritonitis was induced after cecal ligation and puncture in 17 male New Zealand rabbits. Four sham-operated rabbits were also studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated after Ficol gradient centrifugation; monocytes were further isolated after plastic adherence. Apoptosis of monocytes was estimated after staining positive for annexin V and negative for propidium iodine by flow cytometric analysis.

Results

Monocyte apoptosis is presented in Table 1. A rate of apoptosis greater than 40% was found in six animals after 24 hours; it was lower than 40% for 11 animals. The median survival of the former was 15.2 days and of the latter 4.2 days (log-rank: 5.49, P = 0.019).

Table 1 Apoptosis of monocytes over follow-up

Conclusion

Sepsis arising in the field of peritonitis is accompanied by inhibition of apoptosis of monocytes. The rate of apoptosis 24 hours after sepsis induction is detrimental for the survival of the septic host.