Isoproterenol, endotoxin shock, and the generalized shwartzman reaction

Adult hybrid albino rabbits were divided into seven groups. Three groups were given two respective intravenous doses of 10 mug, 25 mug, or 100 mug of endotoxin at an interval of 24 hours. Three other groups were given endotoxin as above, and, in addition, were given 0.5 mg of isoproterenol hydrochloride (Isuprel) by subcutaneous injections at eight-hour intervals beginning at the time of the first injection of endotoxin. A single group was given isoproterenol only. The animals were observed for clinical signs of shock beginning at the time of the first injection of endotoxin. The mortality during the course of the experiment was noted. At the time of death, the animals were studied grossly, and sections were taken for light microscopy. Results showed no meaningful enhancement of endotoxin toxicity as manifested by shock, generalized Shwartzman reaction, or mortality.