THE SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF TRAUMA AND INFECTION ON INTERLEUKIN-1 BUT NOT TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR LIBERATION DURING POSTTRAUMATIC GRAM-NEGATIVE SEPTICEMIA

The release profiles of interleukin 1 (Il-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were studied during experimental Escherichia coli septicemia and peritonitis with and without a preceding (-48 h) moderate trauma (femur marrow nailing). The trauma alone did not induce significant Il-1 or TNF liberation to plasma. During septicemia, a rapid IL-1-rise (+ 30 min) and subsequent normalization (+ 120 min) was seen. A previous trauma delayed (30 min), but accentuated (2 X) and prolonged (> 4 h) the Il-1 response. During peritonitis, a delayed (30 min) but otherwise similar Il-1-response was observed. TNF levels rose rapidly (+ 30 min) in all animals, and remained high throughout the experimental period (6 h). The trauma did not influence the TNF response. We conclude that a synergism exists between trauma and infection with regard to the magnitude of the Il-1 response.