In contrast to the increase in cell-associated SHH level, the level of soluble SHH in bone marrow elute samples was markedly reduced at both 24 and 48 h post i.v. E. coli challenge (Figure 2), suggesting that either the release of SHH ligand by BMCs was reduced or cell binding of soluble SHH ligand in the hematopoietic niche environment was enhanced or possibly both following the systemic bacterial infection. This evidence concerns the gene SHH and bacterial infectious disease.