Circulatory and renal effects of triglycyl-lysine-vasopressin and excision in experimental burns

The circulatory and renal effects of a deep dermal burn, covering one third of the total body surface area were studied in 12 thiopentone/N2O anesthetized piglets. Central circulation and renal function was monitored during 24 h and regional blood flows were determined before burn, 5 and 24 h after burn using radioactively labeled microspheres. One group was treated conservatively with fluid infusion only (control group) and the other with fluids, intermittent injections of a long-acting hormonogen, triglycyl-lysine-vasopressin (TGLVP), and excision 5 h after burn. There was earlier circulatory recovery in the TGLVP excision group with significantly higher arterial blood pressure and cardiac output than in the controls. TGLVP induced a major redistribution of blood flows, favoring the liver at the expense of the gastrointestinal tract, carcass and skin, while the blood flows were unchanged to the brain, heart and kidneys. There were also increased excretions of sodium and potassium and a temporarily increased diuresis. The earlier circulatory stabilization and blood flow redistribution might have clinical implications in burn care.