Counteraction of early circulatory derangement by administration of low dose steroid treatment at the onset of established endotoxemic shock is not directly mediated by TNF-α and IL-6

► Severe septic shock is a major cause of death. ► Clinical trials evaluating steroids in septic shock have given conflicting results. ► Early administration of steroids seems to be important in septic shock. ► Steroids given early in endotoxemic shock ameliorates some circulatory responses. ► Hydrocortisone did not directly modulate endotoxin-mediated increases in TNF-α and IL-6.