EFFECTS OF CORONARY VASODILATATION ON CARDIAC-PERFORMANCE DURING ENDOTOXIN-SHOCK

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 143  (4) , 533-538
Abstract
Endotoxin and lowered coronary arterial perfusion pressures may be detrimental to cardiac performance and lead to failure. Prevention of cardiac failure in the isolated canine heart preparation confronted with [Escherichia coli] endotoxin and decreased coronary perfusion pressure was possible by perfusing these hearts with sodium nitroprusside. Prevention of failure was manifested by a lowered left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and was associated with increased coronary flow and decreased coronary resistance with increased O2 delivery and decreased O2 extraction. Possible explanations for improved performance by dilator perfusion include increased delivery of O2 and nutrients to myocardial tissue and a reduction of ventricular wall tension by dilating the coronary vascular skeleton. Prevention of extravasation of interstitial fluid into myocardial tissue by reducing overperfusion of potentially damaged coronary vessels could serve to maintain myocardial integrity and ventricular compliance. The potential use of such therapy warrants further study, with emphasis on evaluating the hemodynamics of the intact animal.

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