[Experiences with the hemorrhagic shock in immature pigs (author's transl)]

In 74 immature pigs a hemorrhagic shock (3 hrs duration: mean arterial pressure 40 mm Hg) was established (NORTON 1972). Following this systemic stress all animals developed stress-lesions of stomach and duodenum. In comparison to other stress-models porcine hemorrhagic shock seems to be qualified to study pathogenesis, prophylaxis and therapy of gastric stress-lesions: Pigs correspond best to humans in their gastro-intestinal physiology, hypotension simulates one of the most important surgical causes of stress complications and stress-lesion produced by this model have a marked similarity to those of humans. In contrast to these advantages there are some problems in using this model: Prompt and dangerous electrolyte imbalance following correction of disturbances in acid base equilibrium; irreversible shock following protracted hypotension (3 hrs). For this reason 19% of all piglets died before (1 animal), during (10 animals) or immediately after shock (3 animals). By careful observation of the mentioned problems, however, this experimental model combines a high incidence of stress-lesions with a low rate of casualities.