Prostaglandins E1 and E2 antagonize indomethacin-induced decrease in survival rate of haemorrhagically shocked rats

Indomethacin treatment (15 mg/kg) reduced bleeding volume and diminished the survival rate in haemorrhagically shocked rats. These effects of indomethacin were prevented by a continuous infusion of prostaglandin E1 or E2 (0,1 microgram x min--1). Without indomethacin treatment, prostaglandin E1 in this concentration had no effect on bleeding volume or survival rate. The results are consistent with the possibility that indomethacin decreases the survival rate in haemorrhagically shocked rats by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, and that endogenous prostaglandins might counteract the development of irreversible haemorrhagic shock.