Cerebral microcirculation is impaired during sepsis: an experimental study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Critical Care Medicine
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Sepsis-induced brain dysfunction pathophysiology is poorly understood.
• Cerebral microcirculatory alterations are suspected but lack experimental data.
• This study investigates cerebral microcirculation in a relevant animal model of septic shock.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in cerebral microcirculation during septic shock.
• To determine the role of microcirculatory changes in septic encephalopathy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a sheep model of peritonitis-induced septic shock.
• Assessed cerebral cortical microcirculation using Sidestream Dark-Field (SDF) videomicroscopy.
• Quantified vessel density, perfused vessel proportion, and capillary density over time.

Main Results:

• Septic animals developed a hyperdynamic state and septic shock.
• Significant reductions in cerebral total perfused vessel density, functional capillary density, and total perfused capillaries were observed.
• A decrease in the proportion of small perfused vessels occurred at septic shock onset.

Conclusions:

• Sepsis significantly impairs cerebral microcirculation in this model.
• Reduced perfused small vessels at septic shock onset may contribute to septic encephalopathy.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms.