The present view of RES and shock.

Conclusive evidence emphasizes the need for a functionally intact RES function in shock states and in the critically ill patient. Effort must be made to restore and maintain homeostasis also with regard to the RES. RES-research must be intensified in order to define the exact mechanism of the post-traumatic RES depression, since little seems to be gained from pharmacological stimulation of the RE cells, but more from replenishing apparently missing plasma factors. Attention must also be paid to the RES in the therapeutic situation by restricting the use of potential RES depressors.