Anti-lipopolysaccharide toxin therapy for whole body X-irradiation overdose.

This research investigates the value of anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) therapy in reducing death rates in mice exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation, suggesting its potential in treating radiation sickness in humans. A significant decrease in the mortality rate was noted for the mice treated with Anti-LPS therapy when compared to those receiving saline or control plasma.

Background

• The context of the research is framed around the harmful effects of ionizing radiation exposure in the range of 3-8 Gy (300-800 rad) in humans. This level of radiation generally causes death, partially due to toxaemia.
• Toxaemia is caused by the entry of gram-negative bacteria and/or their LPS toxins into the bloodstream through the partially destroyed walls of the gut. In response to these entries, the body’s immune system spikes, causing sickness.

Main Experiment: Anti-LPS Plasma Therapy

• The researchers tested the effectiveness of Anti-LPS hyperimmune equine plasma in reducing the death rate caused by radiation overexposure.
• Mice were exposed to an irradiation dose of 6.3 Gy (630 rad) and were treated with the Anti-LPS plasma six days after the exposure.

Control Groups

• Two control groups were set up for comparison, which received either control plasma or saline instead of the Anti-LPS hyperimmune plasma.

Results and Conclusion

• The experiment found that the mortality rates in the Anti-LPS group, control plasma group, and the saline group were 58%, 92%, and 79% respectively. This result suggests that Anti-LPS therapy significantly decreases the mortality rate from radiation overexposure.
• The study concludes that Anti-LPS may serve as an effective adjunct in the treatment of radiation sickness, possibly improving survival rates of those suffering from high levels of ionizing radiation exposure.