Naloxone reverses tissue effects of live Escherichia coli sepsis

Hypoxia of the superficial gastric epithelium induced by a systemic infusion of live Escherichia coli organisms was mimicked by a local intra-arterial infusion of the naturally occurring opiate beta-endorphin. Naloxone, a specific opiate antagonist, reversed the gastric epithelial hypoxia induced by sepsis and also prevented the development of systemic acidosis. The mean blood pH of septic dogs had declined during the experiment from 7.42 +/- 0.06 to 6.88 +/- 0.17, whereas corresponding values for the naloxone-treated group were 7.38 +/- 0.06 and 7.32 +/- 0.08. These experiments, which support the concept of beta-endorphin involvement in the pathogenesis of septic shock, indicate a direct tissue response to circulatory beta-endorphin and highlight a further beneficial effect of naloxone in the management of sepsis.