Transforming growth factor b-1 lowers the CD14 content of monocytes. Current projects range from the study of how endotoxin and lipoproteins mediate the cellular response to pro-inflammatory stimuli to the role of altered ion transplant in acute pancreatitis. Techniques of investigation are based in physiology, lipid biochemistry, and cellular and molecular biology. Human VLDL and chylomicrons can protect against endotoxin-induced death in mice. Chylomicrons alter the fate of endotoxin, decreasing tumor necrosis factor release and preventing death.
Sepsis increases endocytosis of endotoxin by hepatocytes.
Harris HW , Rockev DC, and Chau P. Chylomicrons alter the hepatic distribution and cellular response to endotoxin in rats. Gosnell JE, Wong CB, Welch WJ and Harris HW . The extracellular matrix can regulate the hepatocellular response to cytokines. O'Neill BB, Sheen-Chen SM, Welch WJ and Harris HW . Systemic heat shock attenuates the neuroendocrine response to surgical stress in rats.