The presence of bacteria within the blood stream often results in a profound disruption of
organ function, with resultant respiratory, renal, hepatic and brain failure. This may be
associated with refractory hypotension, the cardinal feature of septic shock (1). The
macrophage plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of this condition. It is the principal
source of the key mediators of septic shock, the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour
necrosis factor-a and interleukin-1. In addition, macrophages can produce large quantities of …