Endotoxin shock in the dog: Alterations in hemodynamic and hematologic parameters during bolus and infusion studies

Abstract

Alterations in mean aortic pressure, central venous pressure, renal vein pressure, and renal artery flow were studied following endotoxin administration in the dog. Following the administration as an intravenous bolus, a fall in mean aortic pressure, a fall in renal artery flow, and a concomitant rise in renal venous pressure were demonstrated. The observed decrease in platelet and white cell counts was found to be similar in aortic and renal vein blood. The hemodynamic and hematologic findings were similar when endotoxin was given in a 6 hour infusion. Fibrin deposition could not be demonstrated by histologic means in kidney, liver, or lung tissue in animals receiving endotoxin as a bolus or as an infusion of up to 6 hours.