Small bowel and liver gas tensions during intravenous vasopressin infusion and 60% oxygen ventilation

Vasopressin has been found to significantly decrease tissue pO2 in the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. The aim of this study was to find out whether 60% oxygen ventilation could prevent the tissue hypoxia. Vasopressin was infused i.v. in ten piglets for 60 min. During the first 30 min they were ventilated by room air and for the following 30 min by 60% oxygen, which did not alter the intestinal tissue pO2, but liver pO2 increased to the normal level. The plasma lactate was significantly decreased by 60% oxygen ventilation. The findings in this experimental study suggest that 60% oxygen ventilation is indicated in the clinical use of vasopressin infusion.