Final answer:
The inflammatory cytokine critical in septic shock from gram-negative bacterial infections is TNF-α, which can cause severe inflammation, low blood pressure, and organ failure if not treated promptly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inflammatory cytokine implicated in septic shock resulting from infections with gram-negative bacteria is TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha). Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the inflammatory response becomes excessive, leading to septic shock.
TNF-α is a key mediator of the acute inflammatory response to gram-negative bacteria, such as Y. pestis. It causes increased vascular permeability, leading to edema, a precipitous drop in blood pressure, and potentially, multi-organ failure. This condition is particularly dangerous because organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys depend on normal blood pressure to function correctly.
Therapies for sepsis aim to manage and mitigate the dangerous inflammatory response. These may include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics to combat the underlying infection, and supportive care to maintain blood pressure and organ function.
During a gram-negative bacterial infection, immune system phagocytes release TNF-α, which is involved in inflammation and fever. TNF-α binds to blood capillaries, increases their permeability, and allows fluids to pass out of blood vessels and into tissues, causing swelling or edema. With high concentrations of TNF-α, the inflammatory reaction is severe, leading to a significant loss of fluid from the circulatory system, resulting in dangerously low blood pressure. This can lead to multi-organ failure, shock, and even death.