[Effect of dexamethasone on the levels of plasma beta-endorphin-like-immunoreactivity in intestinal ischemia shock in the dog].

This paper observed the effect of Dexamethasone (Dex) on the levels of plasma Beta-endorphin-like-immunoreactivity (ir-beta-EP) and its correlation with hemodynamics during the shock. Ten adult mongrel dogs were randomized into two groups. Intestinal shock was created by occluding both superior mesenteric artery and vein in the two groups. After two hours of occlusion, the dogs in treated group were given Dex (5 mg/kg) and the dogs in control group were given normal saline. The intestinal vascular obstruction was released four hours later. It was shown that plasma levels of ir-beta-EP in control group were increased significantly during the shock and correlated significantly with deteriorated hemodynamics. In Dex treated group, the levels of plasma ir-beta-EP and ACTH were significantly lower than that in control group, hemodynamics were improved, and the survival times were much longer. Our results suggest that endogenous opiate beta-EP is involved in the cardiovascular pathophysiology of intestinal shock, and the beneficial effects of steroids (Dex) in the treatment of shock are correlated with its suppressing endogenous beta-EP secretion and release.