Apoptotic cell death of vascular endothelial cells and renal tubular cells in the generalized Shwartzman reaction

The participation of apoptotic cell death in the generalized Shwartzman reaction was examined. The generalized Shwartzman reaction was induced in mice by two consecutive injections of lipopolysaccharide. Vascular endothelial cells in various organs of those mice were stained positively by the in situ specific labeling of fragmented DNA. Renal tubules were also stained focally. It was suggested that apoptotic cell death might participate in the development of vascular endothelial cell damage and acute tubular necrosis in the generalized Shwartzman reaction. Simultaneous administration of anti‐γ‐interferon antibody in the preparative injection of lipopolysaccharide completely blocked apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. Priming with recombinant γ‐interferon instead of lipopolysaccharide could produce apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. It was suggested that γ‐interferon might play a critical role on sensitization of endothelial cells for apoptosis.