Host resistance to bacteria in hemorrhagic shock. V. Mobilization of phagocytes.

Abstract

Summary and ConclusionWhen the peritoneal cavity of the rabbit recovering from mild shock in response to transfusion is challenged by an irritant fluid, the cellular response as compared to that in a normal rabbit is extremely poor. The failure to mobilize polymorphonuclear leucocytes is, for the most part, not due to defective hemodynamics, but to a disturbance of vascular permeability to migrating leucocytes. The failure to supply additional macrophages at the site of the irritation appears to be due to a defect in the cellular processes involved in the conversion of their precursors. The presence of a substantial intracellular and extracellular bacterial population in the peritoneal fluid of the shocked animal, and the absence of bacteria in the peritoneal fluid of the unshocked animal, is further evidence of the loss of resistance to bacteria in the shocked animal, and of its persistence after restoration of a normal hemodynamic status.