Effects of fibronectin pretreatment on cardiovascular, acid-base, metabolic, and organ function indices during endotoxin shock in the dog

Selected hemodynamic, pulmonary, acid-base, metabolic, hematological, and serum chemistry parameters were monitored for 6 hr in two groups of anesthetized dogs given an intravenous injection of Escherichia coli endotoxin. One group of animals was pretreated with purified human plasma fibronectin, and the other group received an equal volume of saline or dextrose. Between-group analysis showed that the fibronectin-treated group had significantly higher arterial blood pressure and glucose levels, and lower hemoglobin levels, at 4, 5, and 6 hr postendotoxin administration. This group also had higher arterial pH and base excess values at 5 and 6 hr postendotoxin administration. This study, along with others from our laboratory, suggests that exogenous administration of purified plasma fibronectin can be beneficial in the prophylactic treatment of impending sepsis or endotoxemia. However, the amount of benefit appears to be moderate. Whether combining fibronectin with other therapeutic modalities would be additive or synergistic cannot be ruled out and merits investigation.