Role of neurosympathetic pathways in the vascular response to sepsis (original) (raw)

The study investigates the role of sympathetic neural activity in the hemodynamic responses to sepsis in pigs, aiming to clarify how resistance to venous return (RVR) impacts cardiac output (CO) during septic conditions. Despite increased catecholamine levels and expected sympathetic activation, interventions aimed at sympathetic blockade did not lead to anticipated reductions in RVR, suggesting that sepsis involves other humeral factors contributing to vascular constriction. Additionally, surgical interventions to eliminate sympathetic tone still resulted in increased mean circulatory filling pressure and RVR, indicating complexities beyond sympathetic activation in the hemodynamic changes seen during sepsis.