Effect of antilymphocyte serum (ALS) on shock in rats

Effects of treatment with rabbit antirat anti-lymphocyte serum and globulin (ALS and ALG) on shock survival were studied in Sprague-Dawley derived male rats. Because of their known cytotoxic capability, it was postulated that lymphocytes might play a role in the pathogenesis of shock and that suppression of lymphocyte function by ALS/ALG treatment should then protect against shock. Shock models used were tourniquet, endotoxin, and hemorrhagic shock. Protection against tourniquet shock was found for ALS made against thymocytes but not for ALS against spleen cells or lymph node cells. The shock-protective factor was found in the ALG-containing serum fraction but not in the primarily albumin fraction. No significant protection was found for ALS treatment against either endotoxin or hemorrhagic shock. ALS effects on blood cell counts, reticulo endothelial system clearance, and inflammation were studied to help identify effects of ALS on shock survival. It was concluded from these studies that thymic or thymus-processed lymphocytes could play a role in the pathogenesis of shock but that multiple effects of ALS/ALG treatment necessitate further studies to elucidate any role for lymphocytes in shock.