Epoprostenol improves mucosal tissue oxygen tension in an acute endotoxemic pig model

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of increasing dosages of continuously infused epoprostenol (PGI), a prostacyclin analog, on intestinal oxygen supply and jejunal mucosal tissue oxygen tension in an acute endotoxic pig model. Jejunal mucosal tissue PO2, oxygen saturation of jejunal microvascular hemoglobin, and gut microvascular blood flow were investigated. Systemic hemodynamic variables, mesenteric-venous and systemic acid base and blood gas variables, and lactate measurements were recorded. Measurements were performed at baseline, after Escherichia coli LPS administration, and at 20-min intervals during incremental PGI infusion (n = 8; 25, 50, 100, and 200microg x kg x h, respectively); or infusion of an equal amount of isotonic sodium chloride solution (n = 7). LPS infusion led to a significant decrease in mucosal tissue oxygen tension and microvascular hemoglobin oxygen saturation. Epoprostenol infusion led to a significant, dose-dependent increase in cardiac index and systemic oxygen delivery. Mucosal tissue oxygen tension and microvascular hemoglobin oxygen saturation increased after PGI administration and even returned to more-than-baseline values. Continuously infused PGI increased intestinal hemoglobin oxygen saturation and mucosal tissue oxygen tension in a dose-dependent manner mainly due to an increase in villus blood flow in this acute endotoxic pig model.