Factors influencing the outcome of E. coli peritonitis in rats.

Substances that may influence the course and outcome of intra-abdominal sepsis were investigated in an experimental model of Escherichia coli peritonitis in rats. All rats received an intraperitoneal injection of E. coli. In the first set of experiments, substances commonly contaminating the abdominal cavity after trauma were intraperitoneally injected, and the following mortality rates were found: saline solution (controls) 27%, hemoglobin solution 80% (p less than 0.01), whole blood 20% (p greater than 0.05), whole blood together with bile 93% (p less than 0.001) and bile 87% (p less than 0.01). In the second set of experiments, intravenous injection of commonly used solutions gave mortality rates of 20% (controls) for saline solution, 80% for dextran (p less than 0.01) and 47% for Intralipid (p greater than 0.05). E. coli peritonitis in rats thus was aggravated by intraperitoneal hemoglobin, bile or whole blood plus bile, and also by intravenous dextran.