Canine Endotoxin Shock

Abstract

Summary and conclusions

Aldosterone, alone, was first shown to protect animals against endotoxin when Halberg, Spink and Bittner(4) used preparations of the steroid in adrenalectomized mice. Bein and Jaques (5) corroborated and extended these observations with more satisfactory preparations of aldosterone in mice, rats and cats. Studies in our laboratory indicate that aldosterone is the most potent corticosteroid available for potentiating the pressor effect of pressor agents in experimental endotoxin shock. The results with the aldosterone-angiotensin II combination are especially impressive.

The action of exogenous aldosterone in endotoxin shock is not known. With the doses of aldosterone used, no alterations in serum sodium and potassium concentrations were detected. Although endotoxin shock results in a reduced output of urine, neither aldosterone nor angiotensin II augmented this effect. In fact, urine flow was improved following steroid-pressor therapy.