HEPATIC OXYGEN-SUPPLY AND PLASMA LACTATE AND GLUCOSE IN ENDOTOXIC-SHOCK

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 5  (2) , 105-113
Abstract
Hepatic O2 supply and selected blood parameters were recorded in fasted male rats given 20-30 mg/kg Escherichia coli endotoxin i.p. Mortality was 70% within 24 h. Measurements during the initial eight hours postendotoxin recorded no differences of hematocrit, systemic arterial pressure, or arterial PO2 [partial pressure of O2] between survivors and eventual nonsurvivors. By the 6th or 8th h, nonsurvivors showed significantly higher plasma lactate, lower plasma glucose and blood pH, and a greater degree of hypocapnea. Mean hepatic PO2 decreased from 25.2 mm Hg during the control to 3.8 mm Hg after 6 h. A decline of hepatic O2 supply also occurred in surviving rats but was significantly less severe. Control rats showed a mild degree of respiratory alkalosis but were otherwise stable over 8 h. The relationship of hepatic O2 supply to differences of plasma lactate and glucose is discussed. Failure of hepatic circulation is cited as the probable cause of extensive liver anoxia and related developments in nonsurviving endotoxic rats.