Pancreas
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To study the potential roles of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling molecules, LPS-binding protein (LBP), CD14, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in mice with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). ⋯ (1) LBP per se possesses a protective effect on ANP. It could facilitate clearance of endotoxin. (2) CD14 plays a crucial intermediate role in the progression of ANP. (3) TLR4, the essential transducer of LPS responses, may act independently of LPS. The antibody against TLR4 may mimic endotoxin and induce activation of downstream cytokines. For implication, recombinant LBP, anti-CD14 antibody, or silent TLR4 might alleviate the progression of ANP.