Fatty Acid and Ketone Metabolism during Hemorrhage and Shock in the Rat.

Abstract

Sublethal hemorrhage in the normal fasted rat without a significant rise in plasma amino N is followed by a prompt suppression of fasting ketosis but is without effect on the increase in blood ketones consequent to a 30-min. intraven. infusion of Na octanoate. Hemorrhagic shock with rising plasma amino N levels is associated with a significant and progressive hypoketonemia and an inhibition of the rise in blood ketones ordinarily seen after Na octanoate infusion. Adrenalectomized rats exhibit the same decline in blood ketone levels during hemorrhage and shock as do normal animals. These changes are thought to be related to both decreased ketone production by the liver and increased ketone body utilization by extra hepatic tissues.