Mechanism and pharmacology of endotoxin shock in sheep

The cardiopulmonary consequences of coli-lipopolysaccharide and staphylococcus toxin administration were studied in sheep. Circulatory changes consisted mainly of a marked rise in pulmonary arterial and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (with left atrial pressure unchanged), and a fall in cardiac output and in systemic arterial pressure. Fall in the latter closely followed the onset of pulmonary hypertension. The respiratory response consisted mainly of a severe fall in lung compliance produced by terminal airway closure. Continued perfusion of the nonventilated alveoli resulted in venous admixture. Premedication with antihistaminic, antiserotonin, or adrenolytic agents failed to affect the response. Norepinephrine or hypertensin administered after toxin injection had virtually no effect while isoproterenol treatment reduced pulmonary arterial pressure, increased cardiac output, arterial oxygen saturation, and, in cases of endotoxin shock, promptly raised systemic arterial pressure. Endotoxin-resistant sheep proved nonresponsive to minor pulmonary embolism and to incompatible blood transfusion. It is suggested that a common mediator agent is responsible for the similar cardiopulmonary consequences of these three diverse conditions.