[Evaluation of the animal model for endotoxin-induced shock]

We evaluated our animal model for endotoxin-induced shock and compared its characteristics with those of clinical endotoxic shock.

Male Japanese rabbits anesthetized with urethane and ventilated mechanically were assigned to one of two groups: the endotoxin group, receiving intravenous E. coli endotoxin (0.5 mg.kg-1) via the mesenteric vein; control group, receiving 0.9% saline. After the endotoxin injection, the mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance decreased progressively. Four hours after the endotoxin injection, the levels of both interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in the endotoxin group were higher than those in the control group. Male Wistar rats anesthetized with pentobarbital and ventilated mechanically were assigned to one of two groups: endotoxin group, receiving intravenous E. coli endotoxin (15 mg.kg-1); and control group, receiving 0.9% saline. After the endotoxin injection, the systolic arterial pressure and heart rate decreased progressively. The plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-6 increased in the endotoxin group.

We could not observe the hyperdynamic state and multiple organ dysfunctions and did not administer vasopressors and antibiotics in our endotoxin shock models, compared with the characteristics of clinical endotoxin shock. Further refinement of our animal models for endotoxin shock is challenging.