Beattie G, et al. - Given that externalized phosphatidylserine on activated cells is a signal for phagocytosis and persistent phosphatidylserine exposure is also a signal for activation of the coagulation and inflammatory cascades in sepsis, researchers examined if sepsis-induced organ dysfunction could be protected via phosphatidylserine blockade. Using an endotoxin model, they inducted sepsis in adult female rats. For phosphatidylserine blockade, they administered diannexin, a homodimer of annexin A5. Allocation of rats to control (n = 5), sepsis (n = 6), or sepsis and phosphatidylserine blockade (n = 9) groups was done. Gut, renal, and hematologic dysfunction were evident in rats in the sepsis group. Signs of gut dysfunction and mesenteric microvascular leak were reversed with phosphatidylserine blockade. In addition, systemic coagulopathy was corrected in correlation to phosphatidylserine blockade. These findings support the protective effect of phosphatidylserine blockade on gut dysfunction and coagulopathy in sepsis. Organ dysfunction and coagulopathy may be mainly mediated by increased phosphatidylserine exposure during sepsis. The data thereby provide insights into novel treatment options for septic patients.