Sepsis models
CLP sepsis models were established as described [4, 7]. Briefly, the
mice were anesthetized using 3.5% isoflurane in 100% oxygen. A midline
laparotomy was used, and the cecum was ligated with a 4-0 silk suture
located at either 50% (low-grade) or 75% (high-grade) between the
ileocecal junction and the distal end of the cecum. A
through-and-through puncture was made using a 21-G needle. A small
amount of the cecal contents were extruded to ensure the patency of the
hole before returning the cecum to the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum
was then closed. After surgery, the mice were resuscitated with 0.9%
sterile saline (500 ml SC). The mice received buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg
SC) as an analgesic. The sham animals underwent the same procedure
except for the ligation and puncture of the cecum. The control animals
did not undergo surgery and were euthanized alongside the CLP animals.