Sepsis animal model
CLP was used to establish a model of polymicrobial sepsis as described
in our previous studies [19-21]. Briefly, female C57BL/6 mice aged
6-8 weeks were firstly anesthetized intraperitoneally (i.p.) with a
mixture of xylazine (4.5 mg/kg) and ketamine (90 mg/kg), and the cecum
was then exposed, ligatured at its external third, and punctured through
with a 24-gauge needle (nonsevere CLP, 60-80% survival) or a 21-gauge
needle (severe CLP, 20-40% survival). The cecum was then returned to
the peritoneal cavity, and incisions were closed. Sham-operated
(control) animals underwent identical laparatomy, and the cecum was
exposed but not ligated or punctured. Mice received saline (5 ml per 100
g body weight) subcutaneously for resuscitation. Survival was monitored
twice daily for 14 d. All animal experiments were approved by the local
Animal Care and Use Committee.