Pressure Gradients in the Splanchnic Bed of the Monkey During Hemorrhagic Shock. ∗

Summary

Analysis of pressure gradients in the splanchnic bed of the monkey during a standardized hemorrhagic shock procedure has indicated a preponderant increase in intrahepatic resistance with minimal change in mesenteric (intestinal) resistance during oligemia. Following restoration of the bleeding volume, the control pressure relationship was reestablished. The marked elevation of portal venous pressure, so typical of the dog in this phase of the hemorrhagic shock procedure, was not seen in the monkey. Moreover, the intestine of this species appeared pale and ischemic at autopsy, contrasted to the congested and bloody intestine of the dog. The possible significance of the differences in behavior of splanchnic vasculature in the primate and canine species is considered in the light of the etiology of irreversible shock.