Experimental hemolytic uremic syndrome induced by lipopolysaccharide irritation of celiac ganglia in rats.

Abstract

Although nervous system complications often appear in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the relationship between HUS and the nervous system is still not clear. We suspect that damage to the nervous system may play a role in the pathophysiology of HUS. In this context, rats received different doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline to celiac ganglia or peritoneum. In rats treated with LPS on the celiac ganglia, a significant decrease in platelet count (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.05) were found, and at the same time plasma levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline increased markedly (p < 0.05). The renal arterioles and glomeruli showed endothelial swelling and narrowing of the lumina. Intense immunostaining for von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen in glomeruli and renal vessels was also observed. These parameters were accompanied by a systolic blood pressure elevation. The results suggest that the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HUS.