Prophylactic and Therapeutic Effects of a Monoclonal Antibody to Tumor Necrosis Factor- in Experimental Gram-Negative Shock

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A monoclonal antibody to recombinant murine tumor necrosis factor-.alpha. (TNF.alpha.), TN3-19.12, was used to explore pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in gram-negative shock. In mice receiving an LD90 dose of Escherichia coli O111, TN3-19.12 prevented death if given 1.5 h before or 30 min after challenge. Less protection was conferred if the antibody was given 2.5 h after challenge. In control mice receiving an irrelevant antibody, L2-3D9, TNF.alpha. levels rose (.ltoreq. 185.1 .+-. 26.1 ng/ml) by 90 min and had returned to baseline by 5 h. Mice receiving TN3-19.12 did not have this response. TN3-19.12 was of limited benefit in mice receiving Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but had no protective effect in cyclophosphamide-treated mice receiving Klebsiella pneumoniae. In L2-3D9-treated mice, TNF.alpha. levels were elevated to 61.8 .+-. 27.9 and 49.7 .+-. 5.1 ng/ml by 90 min in the two models, respectively. TNF.alpha. levels in TN3-19.12-treated mice in these two models were very low (3.9-5.5 ng/ml). TNF.alpha. is a mediator in gram-negative shock; antibody to TNF.alpha. can be of value in prophylaxis and treatment, but its clinical use remains to be established.