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Published on: February 20, 2021
Porcine peritoneal sepsis: modeling for clinical relevance
K K Kazarian1, P W Perdue, W Lynch
1Septic Shock Program, Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Shock (Augusta, Ga.)
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Comparing fecal inoculum (FEC) and Escherichia coli (EC) sepsis models in pigs, researchers found EC caused acute, severe systemic effects, while FEC led to a slower, persistent septic process with abscesses. Both models offer insights into peritonitis.
Area of Science:
- Comparative animal models
- Sepsis pathophysiology
- Intraperitoneal infection
Background:
- Intraperitoneal (i.p.) soilage sepsis models are crucial for studying peritonitis.
- Understanding the distinct physiological responses to different inoculums is vital for sepsis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and compare the early and late physiological changes in pigs subjected to i.p. fecal inoculum (FEC) versus pure Escherichia coli (EC) cultures.
- To elucidate the distinct pathological processes and systemic responses evoked by these two common sepsis models.
Main Methods:
- 26 male Yucatan minipigs were divided into two groups: one receiving i.p. autologous fecal inoculum (FEC) and the other i.p. pure Escherichia coli (EC) culture.
- Physiological parameters, including hemodynamics, blood chemistry, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations, were monitored at early (1-4 h) and late (24-72 h) time points.
Main Results:
- EC group: Early hypotension, low cardiac output, high vascular resistance, leukopenia, hypoglycemia, lactacidemia, and elevated BUN. Survivors stabilized by 24h.
- FEC group: Early hypotension with increased cardiac output, reduced vascular resistance. Persistent physiological changes, leukocytosis, and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase.
- LPS levels: Higher transient elevations in EC group; persistently elevated in FEC group over 72h. FEC group developed abdominal abscesses and adhesions.
Conclusions:
- Intraperitoneal EC challenge mimics acute systemic effects of LPS/EC, with rapid physiological derangement.
- The i.p. FEC model simulates a slower, progressive septic process characterized by persistent inflammation, abscess formation, and sustained LPS elevation.
- Both models provide valuable, yet distinct, insights into the complex pathophysiology of intra-abdominal sepsis.
