Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B Vollmar

Publications and source records attributed to B Vollmar.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Modulation of kupffer cell activity by gadolinium chloride in endotoxemic rats.

Gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) has been reported to block Kupffer cell (KC) phagocytic activity in rats. In this study, we investigated the action of GdCl3 on Kupffer cells and related effects in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure of rats. Using intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVFM), the hepatic microcirculation (phagocytic activity and zonal distribution of KC, sinusoidal perfusion, leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction) of rats pretreated with either saline or GdCl3 (10 mg/kg i.v. for 2 days) was studied at 1 h (n = 14) and 16 h (n = 16) after exposure to Escherichia coli LPS (10 mg/kg i.v.). LPS-exposure (1 h) resulted in KC activation with increased phagocytic activity (IVFM), intracellular enrichment of phagocytic vacuoles, and marked rise of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6) in serum, whereas GdCl3-pretreatment completely inhibited the LPS-related KC response. 16 h after LPS-exposure, saline-treated animals revealed high serum levels of LPS, associated with microvascular perfusion deficits, marked KC destruction, and hepatocellular disintegration, which finally resulted in a mortality rate of 47% (7/15). In contrast, none of the GdCl3-treated animals died (0/8). GdCl3-pretreatment significantly attenuated LPS-induced hepatic microvascular perfusion failure and parenchymal cell injury at 16 h after LPS exposure. Intact KC morphology and low serum levels of LPS indicated adequate clearance capacity. Based on these results, we propose that modulation of LPS-induced KC phagocytic activity and KC function by GdCl3 is effective to protect from LPS-induced hepatic injury and systemic toxicity, probably by inhibition of overwhelming inflammatory response.

Animals↗

Leukocyte stasis in hepatic sinusoids.

There is ongoing debate on the significance of capillary leukostasis for the manifestation of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced capillary "no-reflow". Using intravital fluorescence microscopy, we studied leukocyte trafficking through the hepatic microvasculature and the relevance of sinusoidal leukostasis for nutritive perfusion failure in rats after hepatic I/R (n = 8). Sham-operated animals (n = 8) served as controls. Hepatic reperfusion was characterized by perfusion failure of individual sinusoids and a significant increase of sinusoidal leukostasis. However, in both nonischemic and postischemic livers, the major fraction of sinusoids presenting with stagnant leukocytes were found perfused (97 +/- 1 and 73 +/- 5%, respectively), whereas only 3 +/- 1 and 27 +/- 5% failed to conduct flow. Analysis of leukocyte trafficking in sinusoids with leukostasis revealed a marked reduction of leukocyte velocity and leukocyte flux in nonischemic and postischemic livers compared with sinusoids without leukostasis. Thus stagnant leukocytes retard cellular passage through hepatic sinusoids, probably due to an increase of flow resistance. However, the fact that during postischemic reperfusion > 70% of the sinusoids accommodating stagnant leukocytes are still perfused indicates that sinusoidal leukostasis per se does not necessarily determine perfusion failure ("no-reflow") after I/R of the liver.

Animals↗

In vivo evidence that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 does not mediate endotoxin-induced hepatic leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We have previously demonstrated that endotoxemia induces an immediate leukocytic response within the hepatic microvasculature, with leukostasis in sinusoids and leukocyte adherence in post-sinusoidal venules. We have now studied the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in endotoxin-induced hepatic leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction in vivo using fluorescence microscopy. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with either 1 mg/kg (n = 5) or 2 mg/kg (n = 4) of a monoclonal anti-rat anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 antibody intravenously, followed by exposure to endotoxin (E. coli LPS 10 mg/kg iv). Animals pretreated with an isotype-matched IgG1 control antibody (n = 5) served as controls. Intravital fluorescence microscopy for analysis of the hepatic microcirculation was performed prior to and 1 h after lipopolysaccharide exposure. RESULTS: At 1 h after lipopolysaccharide-exposure, control animals showed a marked reduction of systemic leukocyte count, which was associated with a significant (p < 0.01) hepatic microvascular accumulation of leukocytes with stasis in sinusoids, as well as rolling and adherence in postsinusoidal venules. Pretreatment with anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was not effective in preventing either systemic leukopenia or intravascular sequestration of leukocytes in endotoxemic livers. CONCLUSIONS: Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 does not mediate endotoxin-induced early leukocytic response within the hepatic microcirculation.

Animals↗

Leukocytes contribute to hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury via intercellular adhesion molecule-1-mediated venular adherence.

BACKGROUND: Leukocytes are suggested to modulate ischemia/reperfusion injury via membrane receptor-controlled interaction with the microvascular endothelium. METHODS: With the use of intravital fluorescence microscopy we investigated the role of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in a rat model of hepatic reperfusion injury with a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (anti-ICAM-1). RESULTS: Sixty minutes of left lobar ischemia and reperfusion (isotype-matched immunoglobulin G1 control antibody) caused leukostasis in sinusoids (240 +/- 15 cells per liver lobule), leukocyte adherence in postsinusoidal venules (679 +/- 76 cells per mm2 endothelial surface of postsinusoidal venules), nutritive perfusion failure (15% +/- 2% nonperfused sinusoids), excretory dysfunction (bile flow, 1.2 +/- 0.3 microliters.min-1.gm-1), and loss of hepatocellular integrity (serum aspartate aminotransferase, 1353 +/- 317 units.L-1; serum alanine aminotransferase, 1055 +/- 265 units.L-1). Anti-ICAM-1 did not affect sinusoidal leukostasis; however, it effectively inhibited postischemic leukocyte adherence to the venular endothelial lining (217 +/- 38 cells/mm2, p < 0.01). Concomitantly, hepatic reperfusion injury, including sinusoidal perfusion (6% +/- 1% nonperfused sinusoids, p < 0.01), excretory function (bile flow, 1.8 +/- 0.1 microliters.min-1.gm-1, p < 0.05), and hepatocellular integrity (aspartate aminotransferase, 480 +/- 108 units.L-1; alanine aminotransferase, 447 +/- 80 units.L-1, p < 0.05), was significantly ameliorated by anti-ICAM-1. CONCLUSIONS: These findings prove in vivo the pivotal role of ICAM-1 in leukocyte-dependent manifestation of postischemic liver damage.

Animals↗

Does nitrous oxide affect coronary microcirculation? An intravital microscopic study in the canine heart.

The safe use of nitrous oxide, in particular in patients with coronary artery disease, has been questioned. This study was designed to determine whether nitrous oxide directly affects global coronary hemodynamic variables and coronary arteriolar microvessels in the absence of changes of myocardial oxygen consumption. In dogs the effects of nitrous oxide were evaluated during normotension (NT, intravenous [IV] piritramid, nitrogen/oxygen; and NT/N2O, IV piritramid, nitrous oxide/oxygen) and during hypotension (MAP 60 mm Hg) (HT, IV piritramid, halothane, nitrogen/oxygen; and HT/N2O, IV piritramid, halothane, nitrous oxide/oxygen). The diameter of coronary arteriolar microvessels (range, 20-450 microns) was assessed by intravital fluorescence microscopy. Myocardial blood flow was determined by radioactive microspheres. Systemic and coronary hemodynamics, as well as arteriolar microvessel diameters, were comparable between NT and NT/N2O. During HT, nitrous oxide (HT/N2O) affected neither systemic nor coronary hemodynamics. Moreover, there was no obvious difference in the diameters of coronary microvessels between HT and HT/N2O. In conclusion, nitrous oxide, whether at normotensive or hypotensive conditions, neither influences coronary arteriolar tone nor reduces or redistributes myocardial blood flow.

Animals↗

In vivo analysis of microvascular reperfusion injury in striated muscle and skin.

The use of intravital fluorescence microscopy in the models of the hamster dorsal skin fold chamber and the ear of the hairless mouse allows for the quantitative analysis of post-ischemic microvascular reperfusion injury in striated muscle and skin. Prolonged periods of ischemia (4 hours in striated muscle and 6 hours in skin) are associated with 1) perfusion failure of nutritive capillaries at the onset of reperfusion (no-reflow) and 2) activation, accumulation and microvascular adherence of white blood cells, formation of reactive oxygen metabolites and release of potent mediators (leukotrienes, platelet-activating factor) with the consequence of increased microvascular permeability due to the loss of endothelial integrity, interstitial edema and cell damage (reflow-paradox). Prophylactic and/or therapeutic regimens may, therefore, include improvement of capillary perfusion by hemodilution, and inhibition of leukocyte adherence, radical formation and mediator release by appropriate counteracting compounds, including anti-oxidants, antibodies directed against adhesion molecules, leukotriene synthesis inhibitors and platelet-activating factor receptor antagonists.

Animals↗

Depressed phagocytic activity of Kupffer cells after warm ischemia-reperfusion of the liver.

Phagocytic activity of Kupffer cells following hepatic ischemia/reperfusion was studied in 39 livers of male Sprague-Dawley rats by in vivo fluorescence microscopy. Animals were subjected to either 20 min (group B, n = 9) and 60 min left hepatic lobar ischemia (group C, n = 9) or to 20 min of global hepatic ischemia (group D, n = 11). Sham-operated animals without ischemia served as controls (group A, n = 10). After 60 min postischemic reperfusion, fluorescent latex beads (3 x 10(8).kg body wt-1; diameter: 1.1 microns) were injected intra-arterially. The zonal distribution and kinetics of adherence of latex beads were quantified by off-line video analysis. After 20 min of left hepatic lobar ischemia, 50%, 38% and 12% of injected latex beads adhered in zones 1, 2 and 3, respectively, and did not significantly differ from control livers (group A: 57%, 32% and 11%). In contrast, after 60 min of left hepatic lobar ischemia (group C) as well as after 20 min of global hepatic ischemia (group D), a more homogeneous distribution of latex beads adherent in zones 1, 2 and 3 was observed (group C: 48%, 36% and 16%; group D: 48%, 36% and 16%). Kinetic analysis of phagocytosis (% adherence of visible latex beads 1 min and 3 min after injection) showed no significant difference between 20 min left hepatic lobar ischemia (group B: 84% and 95%) and control (group A: 81% and 95%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Impact of leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

To clarify the in vivo relevance of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in the manifestation of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, we studied leukocyte flow behavior in sinusoids and postsinusoidal venules of postischemic hepatic tissue in rats using intravital microscopy. Reperfusion following either 20 min (n = 9) or 60 min (n = 9) of left hepatic lobar ischemia resulted in a significant increase of the number of stagnant leukocytes in sinusoids and adherent cells in postsinusoidal venules compared with sham-operated controls (n = 10). Transmission electron microscopy revealed the extravasation of leukocytes from both sinusoids (into the space of Disse) and postsinusoidal venules. In parallel, hepatic I/R was associated with increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and reduced bile flow. Linear regression estimates revealed significant (P < 0.01) correlations between serum ALT (r = 0.76) and AST (r = 0.65) activities, bile flow (r = -0.62), and the number of adherent leukocytes in postsinusoidal venules. In contrast, parameters of hepatocellular integrity and function did not directly correlate with the number of stagnant leukocytes in liver sinusoids. We conclude that hepatic I/R induces accumulation, adherence, and extravasation of leukocytes in both hepatic sinusoids and postsinusoidal venules. However, the adherence of leukocytes to the endothelial lining of venules, rather than of sinusoids, may determine the manifestation of hepatocellular damage and liver dysfunction.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Hypertonic hydroxyethyl starch restores hepatic microvascular perfusion in hemorrhagic shock.

The influence of small-volume resuscitation (hypertonic saline-10% hydroxyethyl starch, HS/HES) on liver microcirculation (intravital fluorescence microscopy) was studied in a nonheparinized hemorrhagic shock model [mean arterial pressure (MAP) 40 mmHg for 1 h] in rats. Resuscitation was performed with Ringer lactate (RL, 4-fold shed volume/20 min; n = 7), 10% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.6 (HES, shed volume/5 min; n = 6), or 7.2% NaCl-10% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.6 (HS/HES, 10% shed volume/2 min; n = 7). One hour after resuscitation, MAP increased in all groups, but it did not return to preshock values (P < 0.05). HES (16 +/- 2% nonperfused sinusoids) and HS/HES (14 +/- 2% nonperfused sinusoids), but not RL (24 +/- 2% nonperfused sinusoids), reduced (P < 0.05) shock-induced sinusoidal perfusion failure (28 +/- 3%) with restoration of leukocyte velocity in sinusoids (S) and postsinusoidal venules (V). Shock-induced stasis/adherence of leukocytes was further increased (P < 0.05) after resuscitation with RL (S, 38 +/- 6%; V, 55 +/- 20%) and HES (S, 31 +/- 8%; V, 23 +/- 14%). In contrast, resuscitation with HS/HES prevented increased leukocyte stasis in sinusoids (-4 +/- 4%) as well as adherence to endothelial lining of postsinusoidal venules (-5 +/- 10%). We conclude that replacement of only 10% of actual blood loss by means of small-volume resuscitation (HS/HES) can restore hepatic microvascular perfusion and prevent reperfusion-induced leukocyte stasis/adherence.

Animals↗

Hemorrhagic hypotension induces arteriolar vasomotion and intermittent capillary perfusion in rat pancreas.

Hemorrhage-induced intermittent capillary perfusion and its relation to arteriolar vasomotion was studied in rat pancreatic acinar tissue using intravital fluorescence microscopy. During prehemorrhage conditions, microscopic analysis of the pancreatic microcirculation displayed neither arteriolar vasomotion nor intermittency of capillary perfusion (n = 22 animals). Hemorrhage-induced hypotension of 40 mmHg provoked arteriolar vasomotion in 18 of 22 animals and 59 of 115 arterioles studied. The maximum relative amplitude of arteriolar vasomotion was 44 +/- 8% (range 12-81%), and vasomotion frequency averaged 4.73 +/- 0.11 cycles/min. Hemorrhagic hypotension was further accompanied by 1) a decrease of functional capillary density [length of red blood cell-perfused capillaries per area of tissue under investigation (cm/cm2)] from 515 +/- 3 cm-1 at baseline to 386 +/- 3 cm-1 (P < 0.05) and 2) the instantaneous occurrence of intermittency of capillary perfusion in all observation areas (N = 220) of the 22 animals studied. The frequency of intermittency of capillary perfusion (4.72 +/- 0.14 cycles/min) did not differ from the frequency of arteriolar vasomotion, which implies a causal relationship between these two hemorrhage-induced microvascular mechanisms with the probable aim to counteract the decrease of functional capillary density.

Animals↗

Heterogeneous microvascular coronary vasodilation by adenosine and nitroglycerin in dogs.

We investigated the effects of adenosine and nitroglycerin (NTG) on coronary microvessel diameters (intravital fluorescence microscopy) and coronary perfusion (radioactive microspheres). Measurements were performed during baseline conditions (intravenous piritramid) and during controlled hypotension (mean arterial pressure approximately 60 mmHg) induced by halothane, adenosine, and NTG. Coronary vascular resistance (CVR) remained unchanged during halothane (-7%) but decreased during adenosine (-76%) and NTG (-29%). Coronary arteriolar diameters increased during all experimental steps. In the smallest vessels (20-40 microns), diameters increased by 14, 43, and 42% during halothane-, adenosine-, and NTG-induced hypotension, respectively. Diameter increases were less pronounced in larger vessels. The uniform action of adenosine and NTG in 20- to 500-microns arterial vessels is in contrast to the pronounced differences in reduction of CVR. Preferential dilation of arterioles < 20 microns or recruitment of coronary microvessels by adenosine might account for the more pronounced decrease of CVR during adenosine. Intracoronary application of adenosine (0.8 mg.kg-1.h-1) and NTG (1, 5, and 25 micrograms.kg-1.h-1) equally caused near-maximum dilation of coronary arterioles > 100 microns. However, NTG dilation of arterioles < 100 microns was dose dependent and exceeded large-vessel dilation only with the highest concentration of NTG.

Adenosine↗

Hepatic microcirculatory perfusion failure is a determinant of liver dysfunction in warm ischemia-reperfusion.

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is characterized by circulatory and metabolic derangements, liver dysfunction, and tissue damage. However, little is known about the causative role of I/R-induced microcirculatory disturbance on the manifestation of postischemic reperfusion injury. Therefore, the intention of the study was to assess changes of hepatic microvascular perfusion (intravital fluorescence microscopy) as related to hepatic morphology (light/electron microscopy), hepatocellular integrity (serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities), and excretory function (bile flow). Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 20 minutes (group B, n = 9) and 60 minutes (group C, n = 9) of left hepatic lobar ischemia followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. Sham-operated animals without ischemia served as controls (group A, n = 10). Lobar ischemia for 20 minutes followed by reperfusion resulted in a significant reduction of sinusoidal perfusion rate (93.9 +/- 1.4%; P < 0.05) and a decrease in erythrocyte flux (90.0 +/- 5.6%) when compared with controls (99.4 +/- 0.2 and 97.9 +/- 2.7%). This was accompanied by a significant increase of serum AST and ALT activities (P < 0.05) and a reduction of bile flow (P < 0.05). Prolongation of lobar ischemia (group C, 60 minutes) aggravated postischemic reperfusion injury (sinusoidal perfusion rate: 87.4 +/- 2.9%; erythrocyte flux: 62.1 +/- 8.4%) and was paralleled by severed hepatocellular damage. Electron microscopy of postischemic tissue demonstrated alteration of nonparenchymal cells (swelling of sinusoidal lining cells and widening of Disse's space) and substantial parenchymal cell damage (swelling of mitochondria, disarrangement of rough endoplasmatic reticulum, vacuolization, complete cytoplasmic degeneration). Initial postischemic increase in serum AST and ALT activities and reduction of bile flow directly correlated with the extent of microcirculatory failure (P < 0.01), ie, impairment of sinusoidal perfusion and decrease of erythrocyte flux, indicating the decisive role of microvascular perfusion failure for the manifestation of hepatic tissue damage and liver dysfunction.

Alanine Transaminase↗

[Enzyme liberation and activation of the kallikrein-kinin system in experimental pancreatitis. Studies of portal vein blood, pancreatic lymph and peritoneal effusion].

The clinical course of acute pancreatitis is strongly influenced by secondary cardiac, pulmonary and renal damage. The aim of the present study was to gather information about the compartment promoting the systemic damage. Therefore the activity of lipase, phospholipase A and plasma pro-kallikrein and the concentration of tissue kallikrein and kininogen were measured in portal venous blood, pancreatic lymph and peritoneal exudate. Anaesthetized pigs were subjected to fluid resuscitation to keep systemic haemodynamic parameters constant. The pancreas was isolated in situ. The pigs were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 9) or one of the two pancreatitis groups (n = 10 each). Pancreatitis was induced by i.a. infusion of free fatty acid (FFS) or retrograde infusion of 5% sodium taurocholate intraductally (NaT). In both pancreatitis groups the activity of lipase and phospholipase A increased. The most pronounced changes were seen in the peritoneal exudate (phospholipase A activity 40 min after induction: control 10.0 U/l, NaT 72.2 U/l). In both pancreatitis groups there was evidence for activation of the tissue kallikrein kinin system in the form of an increase in the kallikrein concentration and a decrease in the kininogen concentration. Again the changes were most pronounced in the peritoneal exudate (tissue kallikrein 40 min after induction: control 14.7 ng/ml, NaT 452 ng/ml).

Acute Disease↗

Heparin-protamine reactions in pigs: role of oxygen-derived free radicals.

We tested the hypothesis that pulmonary hypertension and thromboxane A2 release after heparin neutralization by protamine are mediated by oxygen free radicals. Forty-five pigs in five groups were studied during general anesthesia. Group I animals received 250 IU heparin followed by 100 mg protamine after 15 min. Group II and group III animals received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylthiourea (DMTU) 30 min before heparin infusion. Group IV animals were given superoxide dismutase (SOD) 5 min before protamine. Group V served for testing the pulmonary vascular reactivity in DMTU-treated animals to a thromboxane A2 analogue (U-46619). Generation of oxygen free radicals by polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) was measured in vitro by chemiluminescence. Severe pulmonary hypertension and thromboxane A2 release after protamine were not prevented by either DMSO or SOD. DMTU reduced pulmonary vasoconstriction to U-46619 and protamine but not to TxA2 release, indicating that DMTU had unspecific vascular effects in group III. Heparin-protamine released no oxygen free radicals from isolated PMNs. The results indicate that oxygen free radicals do not have a key role in mediating pulmonary vasoconstriction after protamine neutralization of heparin.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Role of leukocytes in the initial hepatic microvascular response to endotoxemia.

INTRODUCTION: Accumulation and adherence of leukocytes within the hepatic microvasculature have been emphasized to play a major role in the pathogenesis of endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury. However, there is no information on their interrelation with hepatic microvascular perfusion failure, hepatocellular damage and liver dysfunction following LPS exposure. AIM AND METHODS: Therefore, we quantitatively assessed the initial LPS-induced hepatic microvascular response, including leukocyte-endothelium interaction and their interrelation with sinusoidal perfusion, hepatocellular integrity (serum AST/ALT activity) and excretory function (bile flow). After infusion of LPS (E. coli 0128:B12; 10 mg.kg-1 i.v.) intravital fluorescence microscopy was applied to livers of Sprague-Dawley rats. RESULTS: 1 h after LPS exposure deterioration of hepatic microcirculation was hallmarked by significant accumulation of leukocytes, stagnant within sinusoids and adherent to the endothelial lining of postsinusoidal venules. This was accompanied by a progressive increase of the number of non-perfused sinusoids (20 +/- 4%). During the 1 h period after LPS exposure, bile flow was found significantly (p < 0.05) reduced, while serum AST/ALT activities remained unchanged. Leukocytes appear to contribute to sinusoidal perfusion failure, since the number of non-perfused sinusoids significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with the number of leukocytes stagnant within the sinusoids. In addition, the inverse correlation (p < 0.01) of bile flow with the number of both, leukocytes stagnant within the sinusoids and non-perfused sinusoids indicates that microvascular injury initiates hepatic dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Inasmuch as LPS exposure initially induces only microcirculatory disturbances without substantial loss of hepatocellular integrity, we propose that therapeutic strategies during early endotoxemia should focus on attenuation of microvascular injury to prevent manifestation of hepatocellular damage.

Animals↗

[Microcirculation of the liver in hemorrhagic shock in the rat and its significance for energy metabolism and function].

INTRODUCTION: Shock induced microcirculatory failure is proposed to be causative for the impairment of hepatic function, which contributes to the development of multiple organ failure. In order to quantify the interrelation between hepatic microcirculatory disturbances and organ dysfunction, we have analyzed hepatic microcirculation (in vivo microscopy), energy metabolism (ketone body ratio) and liver excretory function (bile flow) during hemorrhagic shock in rats. METHODS: Under chloralose anesthesia and mechanical ventilation Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6) were laparotomized and the left liver lobe was exteriorized for in vivo fluorescence microscopy. Sinusoidal perfusion was assessed after i.v. injection of Na-fluorescein (2 mumol.kg-1), in vivo staining of white blood cells by Rhodamin-6G (0.1 mumol.kg-1 i.v.) enabled for analysis of leukocyte-endothelium interaction. Erythrocyte flux was measured by means of laser Doppler flowmetry. Hepatic function was estimated by measurement of bile flow via cannulation of the common bile duct. Ketone body ratio (acetoacetate/beta-hydroxybutyrate, Ac-Ac/beta-OHB) was measured spectrophotometrically from arterial blood and served as indicator of hepatic energy metabolism (n = 12). After baseline recordings hemorrhagic shock (MAP: 40 mmHG) was induced by blood withdrawal and maintained for a total of 2 h. Measurements were performed during baseline as well as 1 h and 2 h after induction of hemorrhage. RESULTS: After 1 h and 2 h of hemorrhagic shock sinusoidal perfusion was found markedly impaired (p < 0.05) from 100% (baseline) to 78.3 +/- 2.4% and 60.9 +/- 13.4%, accompanied by a significant fall of erythrocyte flux to 52 +/- 2% and 46 +/- 4% (p < 0.05). Leukocyte velocity was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced both in sinusoids and in postsinusoidal venules, while leukocyte adherence to the endothelial lining cells was found increased (sinusoids: 183.2 +/- 55.6% and 178.8 +/- 39.0% (p < 0.05); postsinusoidal venules: 232.4 +/- 43.1% and 297.6 +/- 65.8% (p < 0.05)). In addition, 2 h of hemorrhagic shock caused an increase of beta-OHB, while Ac-Ac levels remained unchanged. This resulted in a significant reduction of ketone body ratio. Concomitantly, bile production was significantly decreased from 20.8 +/- 2.9 microliters.min-1 during control to 6.1 +/- 1.0 microliter.min-1 after 2 h of shock (p < 0.05). The alteration of energy metabolism and the impairment of bile flow correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with the extent of microcirculatory disturbances. CONCLUSION: Liver microcirculation in hemorrhagic shock is characterized by sinusoidal perfusion failure with a reduction of erythrocyte flux, leukocyte velocity and enhancement of leukocyte adherence to the microvascular endothelial lining. Correlation of the impairment of energy metabolism and liver dysfunction with these microcirculatory disturbances may indicate their crucial role in the development of shock-induced organ failure.

Animals↗

Hemodynamic effects following intraperitoneal infusion of pancreatic ascites fluid.

Severe necrotizing pancreatitis is accompanied by release of hemorrhagic ascites fluid (HAF), which is thought to be related to the occurrence and frequency of cardiocirculatory and pulmonary failure as a consequence of acute pancreatitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of HAF due to these systemic complications. Experiments were performed in 25 pigs (mean b.wt. 22 +/- 1 kg) under general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. The animals received 50 ml/kg b.wt. i.p. of either physiologic saline solution (control CO, n = 9) or hemorrhagic ascites fluid (HAF, n = 16). HAF was obtained from 16 pigs with pancreatitis induced by intraductal infusion of bile salt. Eight animals in the HAF group were pretreated with indomethacin (10 mg/kg i.v. INDO/HAF). All animals were followed up for 6 h. Mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and stroke volume fell significantly in the HAF (-25%, -27%, -27%) and in the INDO/HAF groups (-24%, -20%, -17%) as compared with controls (-6%, -6%, -6%). Also, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) decreased by 52% and 48% in both HAF recipient groups, whereas LVEDP was unchanged in the control group. Myocardial contractility (Vmax) remained unaltered in all experimental groups. No significant differences in gas exchange and lung dry/wet weight ratio were observed. Lipase and PGI2 of the unpretreated HAF group rised to 203% and 198% in arterial blood at 6 h compared with unaltered levels in the control group. No increase of prostanoid concentrations was detected in the indomethacin-pretreated group, whereas lipase increase by a comparable extent as in the HAF group. We conclude that the early consequences of HAF are mainly characterized by systemic hypotension due to hypovolemia.

Acute Disease↗