Cytokines, heart and calcium current in sepsis

Abstract

Sepsis has been defined as the systemic host response to infection with an overwhelming systemic production of cytokines leading to generalized endothelial and epithelial damages, to the changes in immune and neuroendocrine systems and consequently to (multiple) organ dysfunction. The myocardial contractile performance is significantly impaired in severe sepsis and septic shock. In this review the major cytokines involved in the development of sepsis are characterized with special emphasis on cardiac function and on regulation of cardiac calcium current.