Oxygen free radicals: effect on red cell deformability in sepsis.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of alpha-tocopherol, a free radical scavenger, on RBC deformability, mixed venous hemoglobin saturation (SvO2), arterial-venous oxygen content difference (C[a-v]O2), pHv, and survival during sepsis.


METHODS
Randomized controlled study.


METHODS
Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to three groups: sham, cecal ligation and puncture, or alpha-tocopherol/cecal ligation and puncture (pretreatment with alpha-tocopherol before cecal ligation and puncture).


RESULTS
The cecal ligation and puncture group had a significantly (p less than .05) higher SvO2 and lower C (a-v)O2, pHv, and survival rate when compared with alpha-tocopherol/cecal ligation and puncture and sham groups. No difference in pHa existed between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The alpha-tocopherol treatment improves survival in sepsis. RBC deformability during sepsis is prevented by alpha-tocopherol, suggesting that free radicals may cause the decrease in RBC deformability. This study provides indirect evidence that decreased RBC deformability may play a role in the physiologic peripheral shunting and decreased microcirculatory flow that occurs during sepsis.
Powell
R J
RJ
Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103.
Machiedo
G W
GW
Rush
B F
BF
Dikdan
G
G
D000818:Animals; D004907:Erythrocyte Deformability / Q000187:drug effects; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007239:Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000494:pharmacology
D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D006454:Hemoglobins; D014810:Vitamin E; D010100:Oxygen