Hydrocortisone and lysosomal enzymes in tourniquet shock.

Abstract

SummaryHydrocortisone administered to tourniquet traumatized rats, in infusion fluids, was effective in lowering the levels of beta-glucuronidase in the serum. However, survival in hydrocortisone-infused animals was less than in saline-infused animals. Moreover, an effective infusate containing Cohn Fraction II of lyophilized, reconstituted, human plasma did not significantly alter the level of beta-glucuronidase in the blood. Hydrocortisone, as given in these experiments, proved an ineffective agent for resuscitation from tourniquet shock. Serum levels of beta-glucuronidase, presumed to reflect lysosomal enzyme release, did not correlate with survival.