Regional Blood Flow Alterations

Although there has been extensive investigation of varied shock states,* disagreement continues on whether, after adequate volume replacement, therapy should include vasoconstrictors, ganglionic blocking agents, pH stabilizers, or other drugs.† This study was designed to investigate the course of splanchnic and somatic blood flow distribution during spontaneous, untreated recovery from a single severe hemorrhagic episode. Then, utilizing this spontaneous recovery course as a control pattern, the effects of a vasoconstrictor or an adrenergic blocking agent could be evaluated. Methods and Materials Thirty healthy mongrel dogs weighing between 12.7 and 25.5 kg were anesthetized with intravenous sodium pentobarbital, 26 mg/kg, intubated and placed on a Jefferson ventilator.‡ The left external jugular vein was cannulated with a polyethylene catheter and isotonic saline infused at a rate of 1 cc/min. The left common carotid artery was likewise cannulated and attached to a Sanborn inductance transducer for continuous monitoring of blood pressure. Another polyethylene