To study the protective effect of Shenmai injection (SMI) on
systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome (SIRS) and multiple
organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in animal model of SIRS、MODS induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: Male BALB/c mice, 5～7 weeks old were randomly divided into 3 groups, the normal control group, the LPS model group and the LPS +SMI group. The rectal temperature, peripheral white blood cell count (WBC), blood biochemical examination, histopathologic changes of lung and liver as well as the blood levels of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were determined before and after treatment. Results: LPS could induce endotoxemia and high serum level of TNFα, decrease the rectal temperature and WBC, reduce blood glucose and increase serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Pathological examination showed that LPS could cause pulmonary alveolar congestion, edema, exudation, capillary dilation and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver and lung tissue. SMI could significantly raise the low body temperature caused by LPS and reduction of WBC, improve the hypoglycemia and high plasma TNFα level, alleviate the pathologic changes in organs and reduce the plasma level of LPS (endotoxin). Conclusion: SMI has marked effect in protecting LPS caused SIRS、MODS, the mechanism might be related with the lowering of LPS (endotoxin) level and reducing of TNFα secretion.