Effect of Hemorrhage on the Cardiac Output and Distribution in the Rat

The effects of moderate and severe hemorrhage on the cardiac output and its distribution have been studied in the rat. In moderate hemorrhage, cerebral and adrenal blood flow are well maintained through localized vasodilatation while most other organs show increased vascular resistance and diminished blood flow. After severe hemorrhage, despite further changes in territorial resistances, the blood flow is not maintained in any area of the body.