Circulatory shock
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The behavior of white blood cells (WBCs) in the capillary network of the cat brain was studied under normal conditions and during acute hemorrhagic hypotension. A small transilluminated area of the cerebral cortex was observed directly, and blood cells flowing through the capillary network were recorded on cinefilm using a high-speed cinecamera. The cell motion was analyzed on the projection screen using a frame-by-frame method. ⋯ RBC velocity in capillaries was reduced. The ST level was increased significantly with a decrease in RBC velocity. These findings suggest that acute hemorrhagic hypotension may induce flow maldistribution in cerebral microcirculation.
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In 16 anesthetized pigs the cardiovascular effects of prostaglandin E1 and methylprednisolone (MPS) during E. coli sepsis were studied. Gated blood pool scans and hemodynamic studies were simultaneously performed. A control group, group I (n = 4), received volume loading alone; groups II, III, and IV received (each n = 4) volume loading after intravenous administration of MPS, prostaglandin E1, and both MPS and prostaglandin E1, respectively. ⋯ The present study indicates that in a porcine model of E. coli septic shock with acute pulmonary hypertension, prostaglandin E1 and MPS treatment decrease pulmonary vascular resistance but also systemic vascular resistance. Prior to and during volume loading right ventricular ejection fraction increased in the prostaglandin E1 group. However, neither prostaglandin E1 nor MPS improved right ventricular performance and forward flow during volume loading.