Vasopressin mediates the pressor effect of hypertonic saline solution in endotoxic shock.

The administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to experimental animals results in a septic shock-like syndrome characterized by hypotension, and the hemodynamic management includes the restoration of adequate tissue perfusion by administration of resuscitation fluids to achieve an effective circulating volume. In the present study, we sought to investigate the effects of hypertonic saline solution administration on vasopressin secretion and mean arterial pressure in endotoxic shock. The pressor response to isotonic saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride) or hypertonic saline (7.5% sodium chloride, 4 mL/kg i.v.) was evaluated 4 h after LPS (1.5 mg/kg) administration. At this moment, plasma vasopressin did not differ from control; however, the blood pressure was lower in the LPS-treated group. The hypertonic saline administration was followed by an immediate recovery of blood pressure and also by an increase in plasma vasopressin levels compared with isotonic saline solution. The vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist (10 microg/kg, i.v., 5 min before infusion) blocked the pressor response to hypertonic saline solution. These data suggest that the recovery of blood pressure after hypertonic saline solution administration during endotoxic shock is mediated by vasopressin secretion.