Objective: To evaluate effects of monoclonal antibody (McAb) against TNFa on E. coli infected mice.
Methods: 30 mice (10 week old, Kunming) were divided equally into three groups. The first group, as a control, 200 microliters saline (NS)/mouse was injected intravenously; Second group (untreated group), only E. coli (10(7) organisms/200 microliters NS) were injected intra-abdominaly; Third group (treated group), E. coli (10(7) organisms) were injected intra-abdominal and McAb against TNF alpha 2 mg/kg dissolved in 200 microliters NS were injected intravenously. After 24 h, observed the survival rate, compared the serum TNF level in blood and investigated pathology of intestine, lung and liver.
Results: There was a higher survival rate in treated group, with the serum TNF level lowered significantly, and the untreated mice had severe pathologic changes in viscera.
Conclusion: Using anti-TNF alpha McAb was effective in reducing mortality rate in mice after infected with E. coli, but could not prevent the pathologic changes.