Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide: factors influencing toxicity for isolated mitochondria and endotoxin properties

In the present study Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exhibited the following endotoxin properties: (1) toxicity for mice; (2) gelation of the Limulus lysate; (3) induction of a localized Shwartzman reaction in the skin of rabbits, and (4) anticomplementary activity. Differences in LPS toxicity as measured with the rat liver mitochondrial assay system were found to be related to the nature of the bacterial growth media, the functional integrity of mitochondria, and the time and temperature of mitochondrial assay. The significance of these findings to P. aeruginosa infections is discussed, and it is concluded that LPS is a factor of importance.