Abstract

Absorption of bacterial endotoxin has been shown to occur after release of the occluded superior mesenteric artery in the rat. A significant reduction in endotoxin absorption was observed as a result of the infusion of gaseous oxygen into the bowel lumen during the period of ischaemia (P less than 0-001). The methods of endotoxin identification and assay are described, and the possible reasons for this effect of intraluminal oxygen are discussed.