Plasma endocannabinoid concentrations in sepsis.

The endocannabinoids (EC) anandamide (AEA) and the 'entourage' lipids oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) are involved in many physiological and pathological conditions. Our group has previously shown that simulated in vitro sepsis with lipopolysaccharide causes the release of EC from neutrophils and alteration in cannabinoid receptor expression. This study aims to investigate plasma endocannabinoid concentrations in patients with sepsis. With REC approval and informed consent, we have recruited patients in ICU with a diagnosis of sepsis. Blood was collected into 2.7 ml EDTA tubes (Sarstedt Monovette) from each patient on days 1, 2, and on clinical recovery from sepsis. Samples were transferred in ice, plasma retrieved by centrifuge at 4°C, endocannabinoids extracted, and quantified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Preliminary data from the first nine patients with recovery samples available and laboratory reference values (volunteers) are shown in Table 5. The patients ages ranged from 32 to 79 yr with an F:M of 4:5, their 24 h APACHE II scores ranged from 15 to 30. These preliminary data suggest plasma AEA concentrations are elevated during sepsis. Further data are required to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]