Abstract
Summary
Previous studies showed that the initial fall in blood pressure in dogs administered endotoxin is primarily due to a decrease in venous return. The primary purpose of the present study was to determine the therapeutic value of dopamine in endotoxin shock by direct measurement of venous return and calculated changes in total peripheral resistance. Experiments were carried out on adult mongrel dogs and the venous return preparation was utilized in this study. Results provide direct evidence that dopamine increases cardiac output and that this increase persists during the postendotoxin period. Dopamine also supports mean arterial pressure during the early phase of shock. The suggested mechanism of action of dopamine in endotoxin-shocked dogs has been largely discussed and includes both direct and indirect effects of dopamine on the heart and peripheral vasculature.
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