Venous response of intestine to endotoxin

Abstract

Extensive congestion of the splanchnic bed has been observed in the dog after lethal injections of endotoxin. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the role of small mesenteric veins in the development of visceral pooling; isolated sections of small intestines were removed from dogs and continuously perfused with blood obtained from intact dogs administered lethal injections of E. coli endotoxin. Results show significant mesenteric venous responses to blood-borne agents. Increases in venous segment resistance and intestine weight were found during the postendotoxin period. Evidence indicates that the progressive development of splanchnic pooling is primarily due to active constriction of small veins in which responsiveness to epinephrine is enhanced by endotoxin.