Expression of Toll-like receptors

Sepsis is a condition characterized by high mortality rates and often accompanied by multiple-organ dysfunction. During sepsis, respiratory system may be affected and possibly result in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Toll-like receptors (TLRs), as a first line defense against invading pathogens, seem to be highly expressed in septic states. Therefore, expression of TLRs in the lungs of a sepsis animal model could indicate the involvement of the respiratory system and appear as a severity index of the clinical course. A total of 72 C57BL/6J mice, aged 12-14 weeks, were studied. The animals were divided into 3 sepsis (S) groups (24h, 48h and 72h) and 3 control (C) groups (24h, 48h and 72h), each consisting of 12 mice. The S-groups were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) while the C-groups had a sham operation performed. Blood samples were drawn from all groups. Total blood count analysis was performed along with the measurement of certain biochemical markers. Additionally, lung tissues were harvested and the expression of TLRs, namely TLR 2, TLR 3, TLR 4 and TLR 7 were evaluated by means of immunofluorescence (IF) and qRT-PCR (quantitative-Polymerase Chain Reaction). Statistical analysis was performed by using one-way ANOVA followed by student t-test. Results were considered statistically significant when p