[Relationship between disturbances of microcirculation and TNF during burn shock]

The changes in microcirculation and the level of plasma TNF in rat at the early stage of burn shock were measured, and the effects of Polygonum cuspidatum (PC) on above mentioned changes were observed. It was shown when the level of plasma TNF was increased, the number of adhesive leukocytes on venule wall was increased and the number of open capillaries were reduced significantly, and there were apparent aggregation of leukocytes and injury in lungs. The level of plasma TNF and the number of adhesive leukocytes were nearly normal, and the degree of aggregation of leukocytes and injury of lungs were attenuated by giving PC. The present study showed that the level of elevated plasma TNF in the early stage of burn shock was directly correlated with the adherence of leukocytes and the closing of capillaries. The administration of PC could apparently inhibit the increase of leukocytes, and at the meantime, attenuate the adherence of the neutrophils and injury of the lung. The results confirmed that the elevation of plasma TNF might be involved in the development of adherence of neutrophils and the disturbances of microcirculation in burn shock.