Cardiopulmonary effects of hemorrhagic shock in splenic autotransplanted pigs: a new surgical model.

The spleen is an important organ for hemodynamic compensation during hemorrhagic shock. The aim of the study was to compare the hemodynamic and metabolic responses of sham-operated pigs with intact spleen, splenectomized pigs, and splenic autotransplanted pigs during hemorrhagic shock. Hemorrhagic shock was induced by 30% total blood volume bleed in sham-operated, splenectomized and splenic autotransplanted pigs (n = 20). Cardiopulmonary and metabolic variables were measured before, immediately after, and at 20, 60 and 100 minutes after hemorrhage. Upon hemorrhagic shock induction, body temperature, mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, cardiac output, cardiac index and oxygen delivery decreased, while lactate and shock index increased. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly lower in the splenectomized and splenic autotransplant groups as compared with the control group at 60 and 100 minutes after hemorrhage (p < 0.05). Unlike intact spleen, splenic autotransplant could not improve hemodynamic parameters in hemorrhagic shock in pigs. In comparison to mice, rats or dogs, this species could be an interesting investigation model to test new surgical procedures during splenic related hemorrhagic shock, with potential applications in human medicine.