Escherichia coli-Induced Septic Shock in the Baboon: An Animal Model for the Evaluation of Neutralising Monoclonal Antibodies to Phospholipase A2

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a soluble enzyme which is present in both intra- and extracellular compartments (Van den Bosch 1980; Vadas and Pruzanski 1986). A secretory phospholipase A2 activity is clinically associated with onset and progression of sepsis and septic shock in humans (Vadas 1984; Vadas et al. 1988). We have identified this enzyme as a low molecular weight PLA2, identical to that associated with rheumatoid arthritis (Green et al. 1991). The enzyme is proinflammatory and when infused into the circulation of animals induces the haemodynamic effects characteristic of severe bacterial infection and septic shock (Vadas and Hay 1983). It is therefore a potential target for monoclonal antibody therapy directed towards later stages of sepsis and shock.