NALOXONE REVERSES TISSUE EFFECTS OF LIVE ESCHERICHIA-COLI SEPSIS

Abstract

Hypoxia of the superficial gastric epithelium induce by a systemic infusion of live E. coli was mimicked by a local intra-arterial infusion of the naturally occurring opiate .beta.-endorphin. Naloxone, a specific opiate antagonist, reversed the gastric epithelial hypoxia induced by sepsis and also prevented the development of systemic acidosis. The mean blood pH of septic dogs had declined during the experiment from 7.42 .+-. 0.06 to 6.88 .+-. 0.17, whereas corresponding values for the naloxone-treated group were 7.38 .+-. 0.06 and 7.32 .+-. 0.08. .beta.-endorphin involvement in the pathogenesis of septic shock was apparently indicated. A direct tissue response to circulatory .beta.-endorphin and a beneficial effect of naloxone in the management of sepsis were also indicated.