Post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph is an important contributor to cardiac dysfunction following hemorrhagic shock.

PURPOSE To evaluate whether post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph (PSML) is involved in cardiac dysfunction induced by hemorrhagic shock. METHODS The hemorrhagic shock model (40±2 mmHg, 3h) was established in rats of the shock and shock+drainage groups; and PSML drainage was performed from hypotension 1-3h in the shock+drainage rats. Then, the isolated hearts were obtained from the rats for the examination of cardiac function with Langendorff system. Subsequently, the isolated hearts were obtained from normal rats and perfused with PSML or Krebs-Henseleit solution, and the changes of cardiac function were observed. RESULTS The left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and the maximal rates of LV developed pressure (LVDP) rise and fall (±dP/dt max) in the shock and shock+drainage groups were lower than that of the sham group; otherwise, these indices in the shock+drainage group were higher compared to the shock group. In addition, after isolated hearts obtained from normal rats perfusing with PSML, these cardiac function indices were gradual decline along with the extension of time, such as heart rate, LVSP, ±dP/dt max, etc. CONCLUSION Post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph is an important contributor to cardiac dysfunction following hemorrhagic shock.