RESUMO
We investigated the effect of 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 indomethacin and Ginkgo biloba extract on the survival in two experimental sepsis models in rats due to administration of 1 x 10(7) cfu and 1 x 10(9) cfu Escherichia coli. Animals in each model were then randomly divided (10/group) into four groups, administered saline, indomethacin, G. biloba extract and prostaglandin E2 respectively. When compared, there was no significant difference in the survival period between the two sepsis models (P > 0.05). The best survival rate was observed in the PGE2-administered animals in the first major model (P < 0.05). Indomethacin appeared not to decrease the mortality rates. There was no significant difference in PGE2 levels between two sepsis models (P > 0.05). Our results suggest that elevated prostaglandin E2 levels following major trauma are not responsible for the postinjury increased susceptibility to infectious complications. Our observations should also discourage aggressive use of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors for protection against infectious complications after major trauma.