Endotoxic shock in the primate: some effects of dopamine administration

The circulatory effects of dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine) in baboons with endotoxic shock were studied. A beneficial effect was seen in all cardiovascular parameters studied. Cardiac output was better maintained, and this was primarily due to an increase in the stroke volume. The renal artery flow was improved with a decrease in the renal resistance in the dopamine-treated group when compared with the group receiving endotoxin alone. Arterial pH and PO2 did not show significant changes. A rise in blood lactic acid level and a decrease in arterial PCO2 were consistent findings whether or not the animals received dopamine. This study supports the view that dopamine improves the cardiovascular status of the subhuman primate in endotoxic shock and has implications with regard to the patient with endotoxic shock.