OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of transfusion of apoptotic and necrotic thymocytes prior to sepsis on the survival rate of mice.

METHODSBALB/c mice are divided into 3 groups and received intravenous injection of PBS (control), apoptotic thymocytes, or necrotic thymocytes. Three days later, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) were performed to induce sepsis in these mice, and their survival and organ damage were observed.

RESULTSThe survival rates of mice in PBS group was 44.6% at the end of first week after CLP, and obvious lung and kidney damages were observed. A significant increase in the survival rate was found in apoptotic cell transfusion group (69.6%, P=0.012), with also lessened lung and kidney damages. The survival rate of mice in necrotic cell transfusion group was only 31.6% at 2 weeks, significantly lower than that in PBS group (P=0.035), and the lung and kidney damage was even more obvious.

CONCLUSIONTransfusion of apoptotic thymocytes 3 days before induction of sepsis can reduce organ damage and improve the survival rate of mice, while necrotic cell transfusion produces the opposite effect.