Prolonged and Recurrent Endotoxemia in Domestic Pigs: A First Step Toward a Porcine Model of Human Multiple Organ Failure?

Abstract

Today septic shock and multiple organ failure research require animal models which allow in-depth investigation of the pathophysiology of these diseases and conclusions relevant to the human situation. The basis of such a model should be the use of animals with a similar pathophysiology to man, an experimental design identical ot critical care unit conditions, long observation periods, and the administration of LPS or bacteria in recurrent quantities reported in septic patients [1–3]. Although septic shock or organ failure is clinically characterized by hemodynamic and biochemical changes, the best diagnostic criteria are specific pathomorphological findings, which in most cases are only found at autopsy. Consequently, animal models of human septic shock or organ failure must show identical microscopic and ultrastructural lesions.