[Studies of plasma gastrointestinal glucagon after LD100 E. coli infusion]

We postulate that high plasma concentrations of gastrointestinal-derived glucagon may be used to identify severe sepsis and correlate with the effect of therapy. Eighteen adult dogs were separated into three groups: Group I-LD100 E. coli alone, group II-LD100 E. coli + tobramycin (TOB) and group III-LD100 E. coli + TOB + methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS). E. coli was infused intravenously for one hour. Each animal was monitored for six hours and observed for a 7-day recovery period. Percent survival (greater than 7 days): I = 0%, II = 17% and III = 83%. Concentrations of gastrointestinal glucagon were 3417 pg/ml in group I, 5167 pg/ml in group II and 1081 pg/ml in group III at six hours after E. coli infusion. In group III these concentration returned to control values by 7 days after E. coli infusion. Increases in gastrointestinal glucagon were more readily induced by E. coli infusion than those of pancreatic glucagon. Gastrointestinal glucagon concentrations were related to the severity of E. coli induced shock and the beneficial effects of MPSS/TOB therapy. Therefore, plasma gastrointestinal glucagon concentrations may be useful in recognizing the presence of severe sepsis and directly related to the beneficial effects of therapy.