Activated protein C improves pial microcirculation in experimental endotoxemia in rats

Abstract

Introduction: The brain is one of the first organs affected clinically in sepsis. Microcirculatory alterations are suggested to be a critical component in the pathophysiology of sepsis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) on the pial microcirculation in experimental endotoxemia using intravital microscopy. Our hypothesis is rhAPC protects pial microcirculation in endotoxemia.

Keywords

• plasma extravasation
• leukocyte adherence
• humna neutrophils
• severe sepsis
• brain
• lipopolysacharide
• encephalopathy
• permeability
• releaseplasma extra