Prostaglandin D2 in canine endotoxic shock: Hemodynamic,hematologic, biochemical,and blood gas analyses

This canine study was designed to evaluate the effects of the intravenous infusion of coliform endotoxin with a simultaneous infusion of prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) on hemodynamics, blood gas, blood chemistry, and some hematologic parameters. The information derived from the present study supports the view that the intravenous administration of PGD₂ moderates the effects of endotoxin, with its main beneficial effect being on the renal vascular bed. Treatment with PGD₂ did not change the endotoxin-induced hemoconcentration, or the reduction in the platelet and white blood cell counts. However, four of nine animals survived more than 7 days when treated with PGD₂, whereas without it only one of nine animals survived the administration of the same dose of endotoxin. Although the mechanism of action is not clear, the correlation between PGD₂ infusion and improved renal blood flow warrants further study in endotoxic shock.