Intrarenal blood flow distribution in hyperdynamic septic shock: Effect of norepinephrine

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To measure changes in medullary and cortical renal blood flow during experimental hyperdynamic sepsis and the effect of subsequent norepinephrine infusion on such flows. DESIGN Experimental animal study. SETTING: Animal laboratory of university-affiliated physiology institute. SUBJECTS Eighteen anesthetized merino sheep. INTERVENTIONS: A transit-time flow probe was placed around the left renal artery. Laser Doppler flow probes were inserted in the left renal medulla and cortex by micromanipulation to measure changes in regional intrarenal blood flow. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Systemic pressures, cardiac output, renal, and intrarenal blood flows were measured continuously. A ..