Effect of crystal No. 4 of Polygonum cuspidatum on the restoration of pulse pressure and microcirculatory perfusion during shock

A model of irreversible hemorrhagic shock was reproduced in rats. Synchronous video tape recording with 2 cameras was used to observe the relationship between the change of blood pressure and that of microcirculation of rat cremaster muscle during shock. It was shown that after antishock treatment the degree of capillary perfusion is closely related with the survival rate and the restoration of pulse pressure is positively correlative with the percentage of open capillaries. The injection of crystal No 4 of Polygonum cuspidatum could restore the pulse pressure to a state above normal level. With the changing of pulse pressure, a pulsatile blood movement occurred in the opening of capillary which impacted and dislodged the plugging or stationary blood cells, leading to reperfusion of capillaries and increase of survival rate.