Effect of Zymosan on Endotoxin Toxicity in Mice.∗

Summary Zymosan renders mice highly susceptible to the lethal effect of endotoxin at a time when activity of the R.E.S. is greatly stimulated. This effect is similar to that following B.C.G. infection. Pretreatment with cortisone abolishes nearly completely the increased toxicity to endotoxin caused by zymosan or B.C.G. infection.