[Dose dependent effects of dichloroacetate on lactic acidosis in dogs]

Dose dependent effects of DCA (dichloroacetate) on lactic acidosis were studied in 30 mongrel dogs under pentobarbital anesthesia. Lactic acidosis was induced by infusion of either lactate (n = 15) or pyruvate (n = 15) for 20 min. In each dog, saline or DCA (100 mg.kg-1 or 300 mg.kg-1) was given for ten min iv. at ten min after the beginning of lactate or pyruvate infusions. Reduction in serum pyruvate levels was more prominent than that in lactate levels in both the lactate and pyruvate infusion groups. DCA in a dose of 100 mg.kg-1 was more effective to reduce serum pyruvate levels and arterial pH than 300 mg.kg-1 of DCA. There were no differences between saline and DCA (100 mg.kg-1 or 300 mg.kg-1) administrations in mean arterial pressure and cardiac index. This study confirmed the hypothesis that DCA reduces serum lactate levels via acceleration of pyruvate metabolism. It was concluded that the ability of DCA to reduce serum lactate levels is dose-dependent and a large dose of DCA (300 mg.kg-1) would not be necessary for lactic acidosis.