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Endothelins mediate intestinal hypoperfusion during bacteremia
M A Wilson1, G D Steeb, R N Garrison
1Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Kentucky 40292.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Endothelins contribute to reduced blood flow and blood vessel narrowing in the small intestine during Escherichia coli bacteremia. Inhibiting endothelins restored blood flow and reduced vasoconstriction in rats.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Microcirculation
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Escherichia coli bacteremia causes reduced blood flow and vasoconstriction in the rat small intestinal microcirculation.
- The precise mechanisms driving these microcirculatory alterations during bacteremia remain unclear.
- Elevated serum endothelin levels during bacteremia suggest a potential role for these vasoconstrictor peptides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of endothelins in mediating intestinal hypoperfusion and vasoconstriction during Escherichia coli bacteremia.
- To determine if endothelin inhibition can ameliorate the microcirculatory dysfunction associated with bacteremia.
Main Methods:
- Intravital microscopy was employed to observe the effects of endothelin-1 on rat small intestinal arterioles.
- Recombinant endothelin-1 was applied topically to assess dose-dependent effects on arteriolar diameter and blood flow.
- Antiserum was used to inhibit endothelins during E. coli bacteremia to evaluate their contribution to microcirculatory changes.
Main Results:
- Topical application of endothelin-1 caused dose-dependent vasoconstriction in both large (A1) and small (A3) arterioles.
- Endothelin-1 application also led to significant hypoperfusion in the small intestinal microcirculation.
- Inhibition of endothelins during E. coli bacteremia resulted in the restoration of intestinal blood flow and attenuated vasoconstriction.
Conclusions:
- Endothelins play a significant role in the development of intestinal hypoperfusion and arteriolar vasoconstriction during Escherichia coli bacteremia.
- Targeting endothelins may represent a therapeutic strategy to mitigate microcirculatory disturbances in sepsis.