Platelet Activating Factor Antagonism Improves Cardiovascular Function in Non-Hypotensive Sepsis in Pigs

Objective: To study the effects of platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonism on cardiovascular function in Escherichia coli endotoxaemia in non-hypotensive anaesthetised pigs. Design: Experimental study. Setting: Trauma research unit, Sweden. Material: 24 Domestic juvenile pigs. Interventions: 18 Pigs received a continuous infusion of E coli endotoxin in a dose of 36 μg/kg/hour for 5 hours. They were allocated to two groups of 9 each. The first group (BB-882 group) received a continuous infusion of BB-882 (a novel potent PAF antagonist) 33 mg/kg/hour 30 minutes before the endotoxin while the second group (placebo group) received vehicle alone. Another 6 pigs (control group) received only BB-882. Major outcome measures: Blood temperature, rigors, heart rate, intravascular pressure, cardiac and stroke volume indices and systemic vascular resistance. Results: Animals in the BB-882 group had significantly fewer rigors (p < 0.001) and episodes of tachycardia (p < 0.001) than the placebo group. BB-882 significantly reduced the endotoxin-induced systemic hypertension (p < 0.001) and the rise in systemic vascular resistance (p < 0.001). BB-882 group had significantly higher central venous pressure (p < 0.05). pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (p < 0.001). cardiac index (p < 0.02), and stroke volume index (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Pretreatment with a potent PAF receptor antagonist improved the cardiovascular function during non-hypotensive E coli endotoxaemia in pigs.