Arch Surg Chicago
-
To determine the microvascular site of vasodilation during hyperdynamic sepsis, we measured arteriolar and venular responses to live Escherichia coli bacteremia in the rat cremaster muscle by direct in vivo videomicroscopy. Our data indicate that cardiac output (by thermodilution) increased, systemic vascular resistance decreased, and a differential arteriolar response occurred, with constriction of large arterioles and dilation of small terminal arterioles. ⋯ Alternatively, small-arteriole dilation may be an inappropriate response and secondary to release of vasoactive inflammatory mediators. If the latter is true, there is a potential therapeutic role for selective manipulation of the tone of small terminal arterioles in hyperdynamic sepsis.