Mechanism of depression of reticuloendothelial system in shock

Abstract

Phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) in anesthetized, splenectomized dogs was assessed by measuring clearance of carbon particles from the blood. Hemorrhagic hypotension for 90 min at 40 mm Hg resulted in a significant depression of RES activity. Autoperfusion of the liver with arterial blood at approximately normal flow rates during hypotension did not prevent depression of the RES. Therefore, decreased phagocytic activity cannot be ascribed entirely to ischemia of this tissue, and, by exclusion, it is likely that humoral factors may be involved. In hypotensive groups, liver perfusion did not significantly affect mortality rate. Furthermore, there was no apparent relationship between survival rate and degree of depression of the RES.