Effects of C1 esterase inhibitor administration on intestinal functional capillary density, leukocyte adherence and mesenteric plasma extravasation during experimental endotoxemia.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) administration on intestinal functional capillary density, leukocyte adherence, and mesenteric plasma extravasation during experimental endotoxemia.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective, randomized, controlled animal study in the experimental laboratory of a university.

SUBJECTS

42 male Wistar rats.

INTERVENTIONS

The animals were divided into three groups. One half of the animals of each group underwent studies of intestinal functional capillary density and leukocyte adherence on venular endothelium by intravital fluorescence microscopy. In the other half of the animals mesenteric plasma extravasation (FITC albumin) was determined by intravital fluorescence microscopy. Treatment groups received endotoxin infusion of 2.5 mg/kg per hour (group 2 and 3) and 100 U/kg b.w. C1-INH (group 3) during the 2 h of endotoxemia.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Endotoxemia resulted in a significant decrease in mucosal functional capillary density (18.5% vs. controls), which was reduced by C1-INH administration (9.5%). Treatment with C1-INH also significantly attenuated intestinal leukocyte adherence in submucosal venules (35% vs. endotoxin group) and mesenteric plasma extravasation (44% vs. endotoxin group).

CONCLUSIONS

C1-INH administration diminishes endotoxin-induced changes in the intestinal microcirculation during experimental endotoxemia.