Effects of alpha1-acid glycoprotein in combination with catecholamines on hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock in rats.

To determine whether the beneficial effects of catecholamines on the variables of hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock are augmented by coadministration of alpha1-acid glycoprotein during resuscitation, alpha1-acid glycoprotein (200 mg/kg), a placebo formulation or Ringer's solution was infused in a rat model of hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock for 1 h concomitantly with either norepinephrine (CAS 51-40-1; 0.1, 0.3, 1 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) or dopamine (CAS 62-31-7; 5, 10, 15 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)). Resuscitation with norepinephrine or dopamine alone was continued for a further 4 h. Mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate and total peripheral vascular resistance were measured during the entire 5-h period. The combination of dopamine or norepinephrine with alpha1-acid glycoprotein more effectively restored mean arterial blood pressure and cardiac output than analogous combinations with placebo formulation or Ringer's solution. So co-administration with alpha1-acid glycoprotein considerably augments the beneficial effects of catecholamines on the main variables of hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock.