Altered chemokine response in an animal model of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome induced by zymosan

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) response over time in an animal model of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Methods: On day 0, rats were randomized to receive an intraperitoneal injection of zymosan at a dose of 1 mg/g of body weight (n = 36) or vehicle (n = 9). Serum, peritoneal lavage (PL) fluid, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were collected from 3 rats in the control group and 6 to 7 rats in the zymosan group at days 1, 5, and 12. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The authors observed a 47% mortality in the zymosan-treated rats. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels were unchanged in the serum, PL, and BAL of control animals. Both serum and PL MCP-1 were significantly higher in zymosan-treated rats on days 1 (P < .01) and 5 (P < .05) when compared with controls. By day 12, no difference between the 2 groups was observed. No significant difference was noted in BAL MCP-1. Conclusions: Chemokines are increased systemically and locally during MODS. The fact that MCP-1 is significantly higher early in the course of MODS may suggest that this chemokine is important in the early inflammatory changes that lead to MODS later in the course of this illness.