Short time impact of different hydroxyethyl starch solutions on the mesenteric microcirculation in experimental sepsis in rats

Background: Fluid resuscitation plays a crucial role in the therapy of severe sepsis and septic shock. The use of colloids in sepsis is controversial at present. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of second and third generation colloids on the mesenteric microcirculation in early experimental sepsis. Methods: Male Lewis rats (n = .64) were used. Animals underwent sham surgery or colon ascendens stent insertion for sepsis induction by peritonitis. Sixteen hours after the surgery animals were randomly assigned to receive one of the following fluid regimens intravenously: 16. ml/kg Ringer's lactate, 64. ml/kg Ringer's lactate, 16. ml/kg 130/0.4 hydroxyethyl starch, and 16. ml/kg 200/0.5 hydroxyethyl starch. Intravital microscopy of the mesenteric microcirculation (plasma extravasation; leukocyte-endothelial interactions) and arterial blood gas analysis were performed before and after fluid resuscitation. Results: In animals with experimental sepsis plasma extravasation was significantly increased compared to control animals (p<. 0.05). There were no significant differences in plasma extravasation between septic animals receiving crystalloids and or colloid. Furthermore, the type of administered fluid did not influence the number of adhering leucocytes during the observation period. Conclusion: The short time impact of different hydroxyethyl starch solutions on the microcirculation of the mesentery is not different from crystalloids in colon ascendens stent peritonitis-induced experimental sepsis in rats.