Mechanisms of shock blood induced tissue anoxia

An isolated limb perfusion system in pigs was used to assess and relate hemodynamic variables to oxygen consumption in shock. Perfusion with shock blood results in a significantly increased peripheral vascular resistance, which can be blocked by phentolamine. However, a significantly reduced oxygen consumption seen during perfuslion with shock blood is not eliminated with phentolamine despite normal peripheral vascular resistance. The cause of the reduced oxygen consumption is not known, but the results suggest that other factors apart from a decreased blood flow due to catecholamine release are important in contributing to end organ anoxia and failure in shock.