Renal blood flow distribution during E. coli endotoxin shock in dog

The effect of endotoxin on renal blood flow distribution was studied in anesthetized dogs. Renal blood flow was measured as hydrogen clearance by platinum electrodes placed in outer and in inner halves of cortex and by electromagnetic flowmeter. Intravenous injection of E. coli endotoxin, 3–5 mg/kg b. wt., promptly reduced arterial blood pressure (AP) and renal blood flow. After a transient increase for 45 min AP and renal blood flow declined to about 50% of the control 2½‐3 h after injection. The reduction in outer cortical blood flow (OCF) was not significantly different from the reduction in inner cortical blood flow (ICF). The hematocrit (Hct) increased from 40.1±3.8% to 54.6±8%, but mean renal vascular resistance did not change. Total plasma protein concentration was not significantly elevated. A marked local flow variability was observed in some periods during the phase of shock with declining AP and total renal blood flow at high Hct. Thus renal blood flow showed phasic changes, but the OCF/ICF ratio was not changed during endotoxin shock. Local blood flow instability was observed periodically at high Hct.