Lipopolysaccharide

Components of the outer cell layer of bacteria are called lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Living bacteria do not release these lipopolysaccharides. However, if bacteria disintegrate, lipopolysaccharides are released and are toxic as so-called endotoxins.

They activate certain parts of the immune defence, trigger inflammation or lead to cell death. To a small extent, this process is harmless. However, if large numbers of bacteria die off simultaneously, e.g. due to hyperacidity in the gut, this can lead to sensitive disorders and painful diseases such as laminitis.