ROLE OF COLONIC BACTERIA IN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF FECAL PERITONITIS

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 4  (3) , 259-270
Abstract
This study was designed to clarify the role of colonic bacteria in the reactions accompanying fecal peritonitis. Rats were subjected to septic or nonseptic peritonitis induced by fresh fecal suspensions or suspensions pretreated with heat or antibiotic. Measurements during 8 h in rats with septic peritonitis recorded bacteremia, hypoglycemia and progressive hemoconcentration, lactacidemia and hypocapnea. Mortality was 100% by 24 h. Nonseptic peritonitis produced significantly lesser degrees of hemoconcentration and hypocapnea. Plasma lactate remained in control ranges while plasma glucose concentrations increased slightly. Mortality was 5% in 24 h. Parameters in control rats were stable over 8 h. Hepatic O2 supply was estimated in each group by multiple Pt wire electrodes. Severe hepatic hypoxia was recorded by 6 h in rats with septic peritonitis. By contrast, nonseptic peritonitis caused a comparatively mild degree of hypoxia. The pathophysiologic developments in septic rats appear to be largely the result of hypovolemia induced by colonic bacteria. Administration of a colloid solution was effective in preventing its development.