Prostaglandin D2 in canine endotoxic shock. Hemodynamic, hematologic, biochemical, and blood gas analyses

This canine study was designed to evaluate the effects of the intravenous infusion of coliform endotoxin with a simultaneous infusion of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) on hemodynamics, blood gas, blood chemistry, and some hematologic parameters. The information derived from the present study supports the view that the intravenous administration of PGD2 moderates the effects of endotoxin, with its main beneficial effect being on the renal vascular bed. Treatment with PGD2 did not change the endotoxin-induced hemoconcentration, or the reduction in the platelet and white blood cell counts. However, four of nine animals survived more than 7 days when treated with PGD2, whereas without it only one of nine animals survived the administration of the same dose of endotoxin. Although the mechanism of action is not clear, the correlation between PGD2 infusion and improved renal blood flow warrants further study in endotoxic shock.