Endotoxin role in peritonitis septic shock in rats

We attempted to clarify the role of endotoxin in septic shock by supporting the concept that endotoxin produces hemodynamic and metabolic alterations in a peritonitis septic shock model (PSM). In the control group I, each rat was sham-operated. In group II, each rat was etherized, subjected to laparotomy, and the appendix was resected, leaving a rent at the base of the cecum for stool to enter the peritoneum. In group III, each rat was injected intraperitoneally with a 4 ml suspension of its own feces containing equal amounts of bacteria as measured by colony count. In all groups, blood pressure, plasma glucose and lactate, as well as endotoxin, were measured hourly via polyethylene catheters in the right femoral arteries. In parallel studies, liver glycolytic intermediates were measured at five hours via freeze-clamp biopsies and compared with measurements determined in an endotoxic shock model in rats (ESM). The results showed similar glucoeogenic inhibitions in both PSM and ESM, the liver anti-gluconeogenic effect in PSM probably being produced by endotoxin.