Profile of hemodynamic and gasometric parameters in rabbits submitted to controlled hemorrhagic shock

SUMMARY Objective: the aim of this study was to assess the values of hemodynamic, gasometric and electrolytic parameters, in rabbits submitted to controlled hemorrhagic shock, using an experimental model for catheterization of right carotid artery and jugular vein. Methods: fourteen male California rabbits were submitted to intramuscular anesthesia, and medium cervicotomy was performed for catheterization of right carotid artery and right jugular vein. The animals were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 40mmHg and were maintained at this level, by further blood withdrawal, during 20 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of resuscitation using lactated Ringer’s solution and remaining shed blood volume (3:1) to mean arterial pressure equal 80mmHg, and 120 minutes of reperfusion. Arterial blood gas, serum lactate and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) samples were measured at baseline, hemorrhagic shock, at the time of resuscitation, and at the time of reperfusion (30, 60, 90 and 120min). Results: the mean of initial values of hemodynamic parameters were – MAP=82.3mmHg, RR=51.4breaths/min, HR=141.5beats/min; gasometric parameters - pH=7.358, PaCO 2 =46.6mmHg, PaO 2 =271.9mmHg, HCO 3 - =25.0mmol/L, base deficit=1.5mmol/L, serum lactate=2.6mmol/L; electrolytic parameters – Na + =131.7mEq/L and K + =3.4mEq/L. Conclusions: this study presents a reproducible model of hemorrhagic shock in Californian rabbits, which describes the progressive hemodynamic and metabolic changes that reflect the changes seen frequently in the clinical situation, besides offers a model to assess novel therapeutics interventions in a controlled setting.