Impact of methylene blue in addition to norepinephrine on the intestinal microcirculation in experimental septic shock

Nantais, J; Dumbarton, TC; Farah, N; Maxan, A; Zhou, J; Minor, S; Lehmann, C

HERO ID

2841167

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2014

PMID

25227191

HERO ID 2841167
In Press No
Year 2014
Title Impact of methylene blue in addition to norepinephrine on the intestinal microcirculation in experimental septic shock
Authors Nantais, J; Dumbarton, TC; Farah, N; Maxan, A; Zhou, J; Minor, S; Lehmann, C
Journal Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation
Volume 58
Issue 1
Page Numbers 97-105
Abstract Methylene blue (MB) has been used with some success as a treatment for the vasoplegia of vasopressor-refractory septic shock. The putative mechanism of action of MB is the inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide within the microvasculature and improved responsiveness to endogenous catecholamines (norepinephrine (NE)). However, to date, no study has demonstrated the microcirculatory effect of methylene blue in septic shock. The objective of this randomized, controlled, animal study was to show, in an experimentally-induced, septic shock model in rats, the effects of MB and NE on global hemodynamics and the microcirculation. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was drastically reduced following bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) administration in animals not receiving vasopressors. Only the combination of NE + MB restored MAP to control levels by the end of the three hour experiment. Intravital microscopy of the microcirculation was performed in the terminal ileum in order to examine functional capillary density in intestinal muscle layers and the mucosa, as well as leukocyte activation in venules (rolling, adhesion to the endothelium). Untreated LPS animals showed a significant increase in leukocyte adhesion and a decrease in capillary perfusion in the intestinal microcirculation. In groups receiving NE or NE+MB, we observed a significant decrease in leukocyte adhesion and improved functional capillary density, indicating that microvasculature function was improved. This study suggests that methylene blue may be able to improve hemodynamics while preserving microvascular function in septic shock.
Doi 10.3233/CH-141874
Pmid 25227191
Wosid WOS:000344165900008
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword Methylene blue; norepinephrine; septic shock; microcirculation; intravital imaging