Neurochemistry international
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In this study, we demonstrate that mice deficient in TNFR1 (TNFR1(-/-)) were resistant to LPS-induced encephalopathy. Systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces a widespread inflammatory response similar to that observed in sepsis. Following LPS administration TNFR1(-/-) mice had less caspase-dependent apoptosis in brain cells and fewer neutrophils infiltrating the brain (p<0.039), compared to control C57Bl6 (TNFR1(+/+)) mice. ⋯ Septic encephalopathy is a devastating complication of sepsis. Although, considerable work has been done to identify the mechanism causing the pathological alterations in this setting, the culprit still remains an enigma. Our results demonstrate for the first time that endotoxemia leads to inflammation in brain, with alteration in blood-brain barrier, up-regulation of AQP4 and associated edema, neutrophil infiltration, astrocytosis, as well as apoptotic cellular death, all of which appear to be mediated by TNF-alpha signaling through TNFR1.