Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
Description of a Swine Infant Model of Volume-Controlled Hemorrhagic Shock
Published on: November 3, 2023
Effects of animal positioning on catecholamine and vasopressin levels in pigs undergoing laparoscopy
C Braumann1, N Guenther, F Doerner
1Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Charité, Medical University, Berlin, Germany.
Background:
The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different therapeutic interventions and positions on catecholamine and vasopressin levels in the pneumoperitoneum (PN) in a porcine model.
Methods:
In 43 pigs, a 14-mm-Hg PN was established and plasma concentrations of epinephrine, norepinephrine and vasopressin were measured in head-up, supine and head-down positions. Additionally, the effects of the following changes were studied: (1) increase in intrathoracic blood volume (ITBV) by means of hydroxyethyl starch infusion; (2) vasodilatation induced by sodium nitroprusside, or (3) selective sympathicolysis induced by esmolol. Again, catecholamines (ELISA) and vasopressin (RIA) were determined.
Results:
After PN, epinephrine levels did not significantly increase in the head-up position (p = 0.075) and remained also unchanged in the supine or head-down position. Plasma norepinephrine statistically significantly decreased in the head-up position (p = 0.046). Vasopressin concentrations remained unaltered. After increased ITBV, neither catecholamine nor vasopressin concentrations changed in any body position. Application of sodium nitroprusside or esmolol caused no changes.
Conclusion:
Changes in endogenous catecholamine levels safely prevent cardiocirculatory instability in small pigs. Volume substitution might reduce endocrine responses to PN in the head-up position.