EFFECT OF METHYLPREDNISOLONE ON HEPATIC OXYGEN-SUPPLY AND PLASMA LACTATE AND GLUCOSE IN ENDOTOXEMIA

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  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 6  (3) , 245-253
Abstract
The effect of methylprednisolone on the profile of hepatic O2 supply and selected blood parameters in fasted, male rats administered an LD85 [85% of lethal dose] dosage of Escherichia coli endotoxin i.p., was studied. Mortality rates within 24 h were 85% in rats receiving endotoxin only, 9% in rats receiving a 30 mg/kg dosage of methylprednisolone intraarterially, 1 h subsequent to endotoxin insult, and 0% in methylprednisolone controls. Beginning with the 4th h, untreated endotoxin rats had significantly higher heart rates and lower plasma glucose; by the 6th or 8th h there was significantly greater hypocapnia, lower blood pH and higher plasma lactate levels in comparison to endotoxic rats receiving methylprednisolone. Mean hepatic pO2 [O2 partial pressure] between the 6th and 7th h was 2.6 mm Hg in endotoxic rats, 10.6 mm Hg in endotoxic methylprednisolone rats and 17.7 mm Hg in methylprednisolone controls. Methylprednisolone controls showed a steady increase of plasma glucose levels through 8 h but were otherwise stable. Maintenance of hepatic circulation is the probable basis for differences of morbidity and mortality between treated and glucocorticoid-treated endotoxic rats.