Effects of Lipopolysaccharides Derived From Bacteria and Tumor Tissues on Liver Catalase Activity, Plasma Iron Concentration, and Organ Weights

Summary

Lipopolysaccharides obtained from tumor tissue or Escherichia coli, when injected into normal rats, depressed plasma iron concentration, liver catalase activity, and thymus weight while increasing the weight of the liver and spleen. The material responsible for a decrease in plasma iron concentration was found almost exclusively in the lipopolysaccharide fractions. A relatively large dose of the lipopolysaccharide was required to decrease liver catalase activity, while fractions other than the lipopolysaccharides were found more effective in lowering liver catalase activity. On the basis of the evidence obtained, it is concluded that the changes produced by toxohormone on plasma iron concentration and liver catalase activity are caused by different substances. The possibility that the plasma iron effect may be due to intrinsic bacterial or viral contamination of the tumor tissue is discussed.