Tezosentan normalizes hepatomesenteric perfusion in a porcine model of cardiac tamponade.

BACKGROUND: To investigate endothelin-1 (ET-1)-dependent hepatic and mesenteric vasoconstriction, and oxygen and lactate fluxes in an acute, fixed low cardiac output (CO) state. METHODS: Sixteen anesthetized, mechanically ventilated pigs were studied. Cardiac tamponade was established to reduce portal venous blood flow (Q(PV)) to 2/3 of the baseline value. CO, hepatic artery blood flow (Q(HA)), Q(PV), hepatic laser-Doppler flow (LDF), hepatic venous and portal pressure, and hepatic and mesenteric oxygen and lactate fluxes were measured. Hepatic arterial (R(HA)), portal (R(HP)) and mesenteric (R(mes)) vascular resistances were calculated. The combined ET(A)-ET(B) receptor antagonist tezosentan (RO 61-0612) or normal saline vehicle was infused in the low CO state. Measurements were made at baseline, after 30, 60, 90 min of tamponade, and 30, 60, 90 min following the infusion of tesozentan at 1 mg/kg/h. RESULTS: Tamponade decreased CO, Q(PV), Q(HA), LDF, hepatic and mesenteric oxygen delivery, while hepatic and mesenteric oxygen extraction and lactate release increased. R(HA), R(HP) and R(mes) all increased. Ninety minutes after tesozentan, Q(PV), LDF and hepatic and mesenteric oxygen delivery and extraction increased approaching baseline values, but no effect was seen on CO or Q(HA). Hepatic and mesenteric handling of lactate converted to extraction. R(HA), R(HP) and R(mes) returned to baseline values. No changes were observed in these variables among control animals not receiving tesozentan. CONCLUSION: In a porcine model of acute splanchnic hypoperfusion, unselective ET-1 blockade restored hepatomesenteric perfusion and reversed lactate metabolism. These observations might be relevant when considering liver protection in low CO states.

The angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan improves survival and mesenteric perfusion in an acute porcine endotoxin model.

BACKGROUND: Blockade of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor has been demonstrated to ameliorate splanchnic hypoperfusion in acute experimental circulatory failure. This study focused on hemodynamic changes and survival in pigs treated with AT1 blockade prior to or during acute endotoxinemia. METHODS: Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide endotoxin was infused in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs. Systemic, renal, mesenteric and jejunal mucosal perfusion as well as systemic oxygen and acid-base balance were monitored. The selective AT1 receptor blocker candesartan was administered prior to as well as during endotoxinemia. Control animals received the saline vehicle. RESULTS: Pre-treatment with candesartan resulted in higher survival rate (83%, 10 out of 12 animals) compared with 50% (6 of 12) in control animals and 27% (3 of 11) in animals treated during endotoxinemia. Pre-treatment with candesartan resulted in higher cardiac output, mixed venous oxygen saturation, arterial standard base-excess, portal venous blood flow during endotoxin infusion compared with controls and animals treated during endotoxinemia. No adverse effects were found on neither systemic nor renal circulation. CONCLUSION: The favorable results of AT1 receptor blockade prior to endotoxinemia are lost when blockade is established during endotoxinemia demonstrating the importance of the renin-angiotensin system and its dynamic involvement in acute endotoxinemic shock.

Endothelin-1 blockade corrects mesenteric hypoperfusion in a porcine low cardiac output model.

OBJECTIVE: To study the importance of endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction in a model of acute and maintained low cardiac output, by investigating regional changes within the mesenteric and particularly the intestinal mucosal circulation. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled animal study. SETTING: University-affiliated research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Thirteen fasted, anesthetized, mechanically ventilated landrace pigs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cardiac output, portal venous blood flow, renal arterial flow, jejunal mucosal microcirculation by laser Doppler flowmetry, jejunal capnotonometry (Pco2 gap), and jejunal mucosal oxygenation (tPo2) were monitored. Cardiac tamponade was established to reduce portal venous blood flow to a preset end point at two thirds of baseline. Measurements were made at baseline, after 90 mins of cardiac tamponade, and 90 mins after the administration of the combined endothelinA/endothelinB antagonist tezosentan at 1 mg.kg-1.hr-1 during tamponade in seven animals. Six animals served as time controls and received only the vehicle. Cardiac tamponade decreased portal venous blood flow, renal arterial flow, and laser Doppler flowmetry, whereas the Pco2 gap increased. The change in tPo2 failed to gain statistical significance (p =.08). Administration of tezosentan during tamponade restored portal venous blood flow and laser Doppler flowmetry to baseline values, increased tPo2 above baseline, and decreased Pco2 gap. No effect on renal arterial flow was observed. Investigated variables remained unchanged in control animals after induction of cardiac tamponade. CONCLUSIONS: Endothelin-1 blockade in acute cardiac failure improves mesenteric, but not renal, perfusion, illustrating the regional importance of endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction. Importantly, endothelin-1 blockade restored mucosal blood flow and oxygenation, which might be particularly interesting considering the implications for maintenance of mucosal barrier integrity in low output states.

Angiotensin II blockade in existing hypovolemia: effects of candesartan in the porcine splanchnic and renal circulation.

Angiotensin II (AngII) is an important vasoconstrictor during hypovolemia. This study focused on the effects of the AngII receptor blocker candesartan on intestinal, hepatic, and renal hemodynamics during severe hypovolemia when administered in preexisting moderate hypovolemia. It was hypothesized that specific AngII receptor blockade might enhance splanchnic perfusion during hypovolemia. Fasted, anesthetized, ventilated, juvenile pigs were hemorrhaged by 20% of the blood volume for 30 min. Animals were then randomized to receive candesartan (CAND, n = 11) or the vehicle (CTRL, n = 10) prior to further hemorrhage to 40% of the blood volume for 30 min. The shed blood was then retransfused. Systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics were recorded including intestinal mucosal, superficial and parenchymal hepatic, and cortical and medullary renal microcirculation by laser-Doppler flowmetry. Arterial blood gases were analysed. Candesartan-treated animals maintained mesenteric and jejunal mucosal perfusion during 40% hypovolemia compared to CTRL animals, while no differences were observed in the hepatic and renal circulation. Retransfusion restored mesenteric and renal blood flows despite persistent hypotension and reduced cardiac output in both CAND and CTRL animals. Renal medullary and hepatic parenchymal microcirculation failed to recover during retransfusion in both CAND and CTRL animals. Arterial acidosis, hypercarbia, and a negative base excess were observed in CTRL animals following retransfusion whereas those parameters were normalised in CAND animals. Administration of candesartan in moderate hypovolemia ameliorated the reduction and consequences of mesenteric and intestinal, but not hepatic perfusion during severe hypovolemia. No adverse effects were observed in the renal circulation.