OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of ethyl pyruvate on barrier function of intestinal mucosa in dogs with septic shock.

METHODSTwenty dogs with septic shock induced by lipopolysaccharides(LPS) were randomly divided into two groups. Dogs randomly received placebo (Ringer's solution, control group, n=8) or ethyl pyruvate in lactated Ringer's solution (0.05 g/kg loading dose over 10 mins, thereafter 0.05 g.kg(-1).h(-1) for 12 hours, EP treatment group, n=12). The diamine oxidase(DAO) activity and D-lactate content were detected at the 0, 8 th, 12 th and 24 th hour of septic shock. Animals were sacrificed at the 24 th hour after septic shock and the jejunal tissue was taken for histopathological examination.

RESULTSThe levels of plasma DAO and D-lactate were significantly elevated in both groups after septic shock than those before septic shock. The changes in intestinal parameters of hemoperfusion and permeability in EP treatment group were significantly lowered than those in control group. Inflammation of small intestinal mucosa was more severe in control group than that in EP group, and the pathologic score was significantly lower in EP group(2.33+/-0.25) than that in control group(3.39+/-0.38)(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONEthyl pyruvate can lessen intestinal permeability and protect intestinal barrier function in dogs with septic shock.