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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Author Spotlight: Induction of Experimental Endotoxemic Shock in Pigs for Studying Hemodynamic and Respiratory Failure
Published on: December 8, 2023
Skin microcirculatory changes reflect early the circulatory deterioration in a fulminant sepsis model in the pig
Ferenc Kiss1, Levente Molnar2, Endre Hajdu2
1Institute of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary.
Purpose:
In the pathophysiology of sepsis tissue perfusion dysfunction is a crucial driving force. Thus the early recognition is highly important. Concerning the early hours of bacteremia, and the systemic inflammatory response reaction leading to sepsis we aimed to investigate the micro- and macrocirculatory changes.
Methods:
In 20 juvenile Hungahib pigs were anesthetized and the femoral artery and external jugular vein were prepared unilaterally and cannulated. For assisted ventilation tracheostomy was performed. In Sepsis group (n=11) live E. coli was intravenously administered (increasing concentration, 9.5x10∧6 in 3h). In Control group (n=9) bacteria-free saline was administered at the same volume. Modified shock index (MSI), core and skin temperature, and skin microcirculation (laser Doppler) were measured before inducing bacteremia then hourly for 4h.
Results:
In Control group parameters were stable, while six animals in the Sepsis group died before the 4th hour. Core and skin temperature did not show significant alterations. In Sepsis group microcirculation showed a large impairment already by the 1st hour, while in MSI only by the 3rd hour.
Conclusion:
During bacteremia and the early phase of sepsis microcirculatory impairment can be detected soon, even hours before the deterioration in hemodynamic parameters in this porcine model.
