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

• We evaluated the use of colloids and crystalloids in experimental sepsis in rats.
• No differences in plasma extravasation with the use of crystalloids or colloids were found.
• Colloids did not influence leukocyte adherence to the endothelium.
• Colloids did not provide any advantages when compared to crystalloids.
• Colloids did not cause any harm within tested parameters.

BackgroundFluid 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.MethodsMale 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.ResultsIn 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.ConclusionThe 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.