Pharmacologic manipulation of the peripheral vasculature in shock: clinical and experimental approaches.

An improved understanding of the patho-physiological and biochemical changes that occur in shock states has led to new and innovative pharmacologic approaches to shock reversal. In this article, we review the actions of several pharmaceutical agents on the peripheral vasculature in shock states. Agents with known efficacy, probable utility, and possible usefulness are each discussed. A model of factors modulating alpha-1 adrenergic receptor action is presented.