Graded intestinal vascular obstruction: I. Description of an experimental shock model in the rat

The aim of this study was to standardize a model allowing studies of mechanisms of importance for developing irreversible shock. The model should also be suitable for studying the effects of different modes of treatment. Graded obstruction of the intestine and its vascular supply in rats was induced with a hydrostatic pressure cuff. Three levels of obstruction pressure were used: 50, 100, and 120 cm water. Mortality increased from 0% in control groups to 75% in the highest pressure group. Increases in hematocrit occurred in all groups. Mucosal lesions, including total destruction of villi, were more severe in the two highest pressure groups, and the degree of mucosal lesion correlated with mortality. This shock model was developed to allow studies of factors of importance for survival. One such factor is the degree of mucosal lesion.