An Ovine Model of Hyperdynamic Endotoxemia and Vital Organ Metabolism

Liam Byrne, Nchafatso G Obonyo, Sara Diab, Kimble Dunster, Margaret Passmore, Ai Ching Boon, Louise See Hoe, Karen Hay, Frank Van Haren, John-Paul Tung, Louise Cullen, Kiran Shekar, Kathryn Maitland, and John F Fraser. DOI 10.1097/SHK.0000000000000904

Background: Animal models of endotoxemia are frequently used to understand the pathophysiology of sepsis and test new therapies. However, important differences exist between commonly used experimental models of endotoxemia and clinical sepsis. Animal models of endotoxemia frequently produce hypodynamic shock in contrast to clinical hyperdynamic shock. This difference may exaggerate the importance of hypoperfusion as a causative factor in organ dysfunction. This study sought to develop an ovine model of hyperdynamic endotoxemia and assess if there is evidence of impaired oxidative metabolism in the vital organs. Methods: Eight sheep had microdialysis catheters implanted into the brain, heart, liver, kidney, and arterial circulation.