Blood Flow in Seven Regions of the Brain during Endotoxin Shock in the Dog

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Abstract
This study was performed to determine regional cerebral blood flow during endotoxin shock using the labeled-microsphere particle distribution technique. The labeled microspheres were 15 .mu.m in diameter. Twenty-six anesthetized and ventilated dogs were given 2 mg/kg of Escherichia coli endotoxin. Regional flows were determined before endotoxin and at 2 or 4 h of shock. Perfusion pressure and blood flow in all areas of the brain sampled were significantly decreased at 2 and 4 h of shock. The percentage decrease in blood flows at 4 h of shock of the regions sampled were: pons, 39%; medulla, 43%; hypothalamus, 46%; thalamus, 51%; cortex, 51%; cerebellum, 50%; and pituitary, 52%. Regional resistances of the pons, medulla and hypothalamus were significantly decreased at 2 and 4 h of shock. Resistances of the cerebellum, cortex, thalamus and pituitary were not significantly different from control values at either time. Blood flows to all brain regions measured are apparently severely depressed during endotoxin shock.