Changes in Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Surface and Plasma Bactericidal/Permeability-Increasing Protein and Plasma Lipopolysaccharide Binding Protein During Endotoxemia or Sepsis

Abstract

Circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes increase expression of BPI in response to LPS or gram-negative sepsis. Subsequently, concentrations of plasma BPI and LBP increase. Because both LBP and BPI bind to LPS, it is suggested that endogenously derived plasma levels of BPI are likely to be inadequate to compete for LPS binding to the much more abundant LBP in the circulation.