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Decreased mesenteric blood flow in experimental multiple organ failure
S Scalia1, P Sharma, J Rodriguez
1Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112.
Abstract:
Disorders of mucosal blood flow may contribute to gut barrier dysfunction in multiple organ failure (MOF). We evaluated alterations of mesenteric microcirculation in a rat model of MOF. Male Wistar rats received 1 mg/g body weight of zymosan A in 4 ml of mineral oil by intraperitoneal injection and were studied on Days 1, 3, and 5 following injection. A control group received no zymosan. The experimental group also received a fluid resuscitation regimen of 0.9 N saline subcutaneously equal to 0.1 ml/g body weight on the day of zymosan injection and 0.05 ml/g body weight daily thereafter. Day 1 animals tended toward a statistically significantly lower mean arterial pressure versus controls (86.6 +/- 8 mm Hg versus 106 +/- 5 mm Hg, F = 0.09 by ANOVA). Significant arteriolar vasoconstriction occurred on Days 1 and 3 versus control (70 +/- 4 microns and 57 +/- 8 microns versus 96 +/- 3 microns, F = 0.0002). Laser doppler velocity, indicating red blood cell velocity, expressed as a percentage of control paralleled this vasoconstriction (70 +/- 9 and 72 +/- 7%, respectively). We conclude that mesenteric arteriolar vasoconstriction occurs accompanied by decreased red blood velocity. We believe that this is indicative of decreased mesenteric perfusion in this zymosan model of MOF and that survival to Day 5 is associated with a reversal of these microcirculatory changes.
Insights
Multiple organ failure (MOF) involves gut barrier dysfunction. This study found mesenteric arteriolar vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow in a rat MOF model, indicating decreased mesenteric perfusion.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Gastroenterology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Disorders of mucosal blood flow are implicated in gut barrier dysfunction during multiple organ failure (MOF).
- Mesenteric microcirculation plays a critical role in maintaining gut integrity and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate alterations in mesenteric microcirculation within a rat model of MOF.
- To investigate the relationship between mesenteric blood flow changes and gut barrier function in MOF.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were administered zymosan A intraperitoneally to induce MOF, with fluid resuscitation provided.
- Mesenteric arteriolar diameter and laser Doppler velocity were measured on Days 1, 3, and 5 post-injection.
- Data were compared against a control group receiving no zymosan.
Main Results:
- Animals in the MOF model exhibited significantly lower mean arterial pressure on Day 1 compared to controls.
- Significant arteriolar vasoconstriction (reduced diameter) was observed on Days 1 and 3 in the MOF group.
- Red blood cell velocity, measured by laser Doppler, decreased in parallel with vasoconstriction, indicating reduced mesenteric perfusion.
Conclusions:
- Mesenteric arteriolar vasoconstriction and decreased red blood cell velocity occur in this zymosan-induced rat model of MOF.
- These microcirculatory changes suggest compromised mesenteric perfusion, potentially contributing to gut barrier dysfunction.
- Survival to Day 5 in this model was associated with a reversal of these observed microcirculatory alterations.