Increased survival of endotoxin-injected dogs treated with methylprednisolone, naloxone, and ibuprofen.

The effects of methylprednisolone, naloxone, and ibuprofen--alone and in various combinations--on survival, blood pressure, hematocrit, and peripheral platelet and white blood cell counts were studied in a canine Escherichia coli endotoxin LD100 shock model. Treatment was started 10 minutes after shock induction. The dogs were kept on a respirator and given intravenous fluids for 4 hours, then disconnected from the respirator and allowed to recover. Dogs surviving 7 days were considered permanent survivors. All control animals died within 36 hours. Five of nine dogs receiving a combined treatment of methylprednisolone, naloxone, and ibuprofen were permanent survivors and showed no macroscopic abnormalities when autopsied. The combined treatment with methylprednisolone and ibuprofen also increased survival. Mortality was delayed in animals treated with methylprednisolone and naloxone. Dogs receiving ibuprofen, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, had a rapid reversal of hypotension. Hematocrit and platelet counts were similar in all groups. The combined treatment caused an increase in the recovery rate of white blood cells.