Plasma zinc and iron concentrations as measurements for evaluating the influence of endotoxin-neutralizing agents in Escherichia coli endotoxin-induced mastitis

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The influence of bacterial lipopolysaccharides on plasma Zn and Fe concentrations and the endotoxinneutralizing capacity of polymyxin B was studied in 3 dairy cows. Also, the feasibility of using plasma Zn and Fe concentrations as measurements for evaluating the influence of endotoxinneutralizing agents in Escherichia coli endotoxin-induced mastitis was studied. A positive relationship was ascertained between the dose of endotoxin given intramammarily (imm) and the effect on mean values of plasma Zn and Fe concentrations. Seemingly, imm administration of polymyxin B-sulfate before the imm administration of E coli endotoxin partially blocked the effects of endotoxin, as shown by decreases in plasma Zn and Fe.