Abstract
Summary
This study was performed to determine regional cerebral blood flow during endotoxin shock using the labeled-mi-crosphere particle distribution technique. The labeled microspheres were 15 μm in diameter. Twenty-six anesthetized and ventilated dogs were given 2 mg/kg of E. coli endotoxin. Regional flows were determined before endotoxin and at 2 or 4 hr of shock. Perfusion pressure and blood flow in all areas of the brain sampled were significantly decreased at 2 and 4 hr of shock. The percentage decrease in blood flows at 4 hr of shock of the regions sampled were: pons, 39%; medulla, 43%; hypothalamus, 46%; thalamus, 51%; cortex, 51%; cerebellum, 50%; and pituitary, 52%. Regional resistances of the pons, medulla, and hypothalamus were significantly decreased at 2 and 4 hr of shock. On the other hand, resistances of the cerebellum, cortex, thalamus, and pituitary were not significantly different from control values at either time. We conclude that blood flows to all brain regions measured are severely depressed during endotoxin shock.
This work was completed in partial fulfillment of the Master of Science degree by William J. Bryan. This research was supported in part by grants from the Michigan Heart Association and the MSU-NIH General Research Support Fund.
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