Reactions of the capillary endothelium in peptone shock

Abstract

The fundamental reacting tissues in peptone shock are not the same as the fundamental reacting tissues in the acute anaphylactic shock of dogs. Canine anaphylactic shock is dependent upon liver function 1 . Canine peptone shock is not dependent upon hepatic function, since reactions apparently identical with those of the intact animal are produced by intravenous injections of peptone into dehepatized (Dale and Laidlaw's Eck-fistula 2 ) dogs and into eviscerated dogs.

Marked peptone reactions are demonstrable in isolated canine tissues. These reactions are produced by perfusing the tissues with Ringer's solution containing 1 per cent. Witte's peptone. More marked reactions are obtained by perfusing with defibrinated-blood-peptone mixtures, or with uncoagulated-blood-peptone mixtures. The principal reactions of the isolated canine tissues thus far studied are:

(a) Liver. Marked increase in perfusion resistance, reaching a maximum by the end of ninety seconds. The resistance then gradually decreases, and is almost completely restored to normal by the end of eight minutes.

(b) Lungs. Reactions similar to those of the liver, but more pronounced, with little or no tendency to recovery by the end of eight minutes.

(c) Intestines. Distinct decrease in perfusion resistance, reaching a maximum by the end of ninety seconds. Slight tendency to recovery by the end of eight minutes.

(d) Hind Quartem. Reactions similar to those of the intestines, but with less tendency to recovery by the end of eight minutes.

We have endeavored to determine the mechanism of the changed perfusion resistance by histological methods. The tissues have been fixed by perfusional methods at various stages of the peptone reaction. The following appear to be the dominant physiological factors thus far studied:

(a) Liver. Marked capillary vaso-constriction with stasisad diapedesis in certain areas. Partial capillary occlusion by leucocytic deposits in later stages of the shock.