CXCL8 and serum lipopolysaccharide activity: Several studies have previously documented an altered leukocyte function during endotoxemia (e.g. decreased in chemotactic activity of neutrophils toward various chemotactic signals [14] including IL-8 [15], shedding of neutrophil receptors such as IL-8-receptor [16] and L-selectin [17]), resulting in a decreased migration of leukocytes to extravascular infection foci (e.g. lung [18], peritoneum [19], skin [20]).