Host Resistance to Hemorrhagic Shock. XI. Role of Deficient Flow Through Intestine in Development of Irreversibility.

Abstract

One hour occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery of the rabbit is uniformly fatal (90% mortality) within a few hours after release of the occlusion. Post-mortem examination reveals intestinal ecchymosis as seen in hemorrhagic shock. The peritoneal cavity and blood are sterile. Death can be prevented (75% survival) if the animals are pretreated with non-absorbable intestinal antibiotics or with dibenamine. These observations are in conformity with the hypothesis that irreversibility to transfusion in hemorrhagic shock is due to endotoxins derived from the intestinal flora.