Pseudomonas aeruginosa Compared with Escherichia coli Produces Less Endotoxemia but More Cardiovascular Dysfunction and Mortality in a Canine Model of Septic Shock

We investigated the effects of two different Gram-negative bacteria and radiation-induced leukopenia on endotoxemia, cardiovascular abnormalities, and mortality in a canine model of septic shock. Serial hemodynamics were measured in conscious dogs using radionuclide heart scans and thermodilution cardiac output catheters. Plasma endotoxin concentrations were determined with a chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Viable Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli implanted intraperitoneally produced concordant hemodynamic patterns of septic shock (p