Abstract
Summary
RES phagocytic function and susceptibility to hemorrhagic shock were determined following the injection of hemolyzed blood into heparinized rats. Phagocytic index was severely depressed 30 min following the iv injection of whole hemolyzed blood (0.3 ml/100 g) and was due primarily to an impairment of hepatic phagocytosis of the test colloid. The erythrocyte stroma fraction of hemolyzed blood depressed phagocytic index while the soluble protein fraction had no effect on phagocytic index. Labelled erythrocyte stroma was rapidly cleared from the circulation and localized primarily in the liver with lesser amounts in the spleen and lungs indicating RES clearance of this particulate material. This depression of phagocytic index was associated with normal circulating levels of α-2-glycoprotein opsonic activity. Animals injected with hemolyzed blood showed a 50% decrease in the duration of hypotension required to cause initial decompensation indicating an increased susceptibility to hemorrhagic shock. It is concluded that the hemolysis which accompanied severe injury such as burn or trauma may contribute to RES depression and increased susceptibility to shock states.
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