Changes in myocardial blood flow rates during hyperdynamic sepsis with induced changes in arterial perfusing pressures and metabolic need

OBJECTIVETo determine whether hyperdynamic sepsis is associated with dysregulation in the control of myocardial blood flow rates unrelated to hypotension or the use of anesthetic agents. DESIGNProspective, nonrandomized, controlled trial. SETTINGExperimental laboratory. SUBJECTSFifteen mature male sheep (34 to 61 kg). INTERVENTIONSData were recorded in study subjects before and after the induction of sepsis following cecal ligation and perforation. Data were then recorded duringa) an infusion of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), which decreased mean arterial perfusing pressure; and b) an infusion of zymosan-activated plasma, which increased mean pulmonary arterial pressures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTSMyocardial blood flow rates were measured by the radiolabeled microsphere technique and cardiac index was measured by the thermodilution technique. Cardiac index (change Δ) postcecal ligation and perforation minus baseline (+2.3 ± 1.0 L/min/m; p