The effect of compensation of acidosis on survival in endotoxin shock.

IP injection of 10 mg E. coli endotoxin in fasted female rats causes 100% mortality while hemodynamic effects are absent. A progressive fall in blood glucose to extremely low values with a concomitant rise in plasma lactate is recorded. Plasma pH falls below 7.00. Infusion of glucose or glucose and insulin does not prolong the survival time. An infusion of 5% NaHCO3 preventing the terminal acidosis has no effect on the survival time and dose not affect the blood glucose and plasma lactate concentrations. Artificial ventilation has no effect on survival time or on blood glucose and plasma lactate concentrations.