ENDOTOXAEMIC LIVER-INJURY IN A PORCINE MODEL - RELATION TO TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA RELEASE AND SURVIVAL

The effects of a continuous infusion of E. coli endotoxin on liver blo od chemistry, plasma TNF alpha and blood pressure were evaluated in re lation to survival in 18 anaesthetized pigs, The endotoxin infusion ca use both unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin to increase (both p < 0 .001), as compared to 6 saline-infused controls, Four pigs died during the endotoxin infusion. The plasma levels of TNF alpha of these 4 non -survivors were higher compared to TNF alpha of the 14 surviving endot oxaemic pigs (p < 0.05), The increase in plasma bilirubin of the non-s urvivors ors mas less expressed (p < 0.05), and their arterial blood p ressure and base excess deteriorated (both p < 0.001) compared to surv iving endotoxaemic pigs. A decreased blood pressure explains both the reduced 'hepatic washout' of bilirubin and visceral ischaemia, reflect ed by the development of metabolic acidosis. This porcine model may be suitable for studying endotoxaemic liver injury.