A new model for the study of septic shock

Abstract

Septic shock was produced in 28 healthy mongrel dogs by injecting 10(8) Escherichia coli organisms per kilogram into the gallbladder following division of the cystic artery and duct. Based upon the circulatory responses and the mortality, two distinct groups emerged. In one, the cardiac index decreased significantly, and the total peripheral resistance was elevated. In the other, the cardiac index increased significantly, and the total peripheral resistance was significantly lower. The average survival time in the former group was three days and, in the latter, five days. The physiopathology of this model is remarkably similar to that of human septic shock. Studies are planned to further describe this model to increase its utility in the study of septic shock.

PIP: The need for an experimental model of septic shock which closely approximates the clinical setting led to a series of investigations, and initial results with such a model are reported. Fasting adult mongrel dogs, weighing between 18 and 24 kilograms, were used in the experiments. Septic shock was produced by injecting escherichia coli organisms into the gallbladder following division of the cystic artery and duct. In terms of circulatory response and the mortality, 2 distinct groups emerged. In 1 group the cardiac index increased significantly, and the total peripheral resistance was elevated. In the other group, the cardiac index increased significantly, and the total peripheral resistance was signficiantly lower. The average survival time in the former group was 3 days; it was 5 days in the latter group. The physiopathology of this model is similar to that of human septic shock.