Distribution of Cardiac Output in Burned Mice after Treatment with Triglycylvasopressin

Abstract

An increased 5 day survival in burned mice treated with triglycylvasopressin (TGLVP) was previously shown. To analyze the cause of the increased survival, the distribution of cardiac output was studied in 51 mice divided into 3 groups. The investigation was performed on the 5th day after burn using a soluble indicator technique (86Rb). The 1st group consisted of unburned animals. In the 2nd and 3rd groups, a standardized burn of 15% of the body surface was undertaken. The animals in the 2nd group were used as controls and received isotonic saline solution for 5 days. The 3rd group received the saline solution and in addition, TGLVP, a vasopressin with prolonged effect, 100 .mu.g/kg body wt s.c. twice a day in a way that the total volume of fluid was identical in the different groups. Cardiac output distribution showed an increased fraction to kidney, liver and small bowel and a decreased fraction to carcass in the TGLVP-treated animals compared to burned controls.