Energy state, glycolytic intermediates and mitochondrial function in the liver during reversible and irreversible endotoxin shock.

Metabolites of the energy and carbohydrate metabolism and mitochondrial function in the liver were compared in rats with reversible as well as with irreversible shock. 6 h after induction of shock there was a close correlation between the severity of shock and the energy state of the liver. Only rats with irreversible shock showed a marked deterioration in parameters of the adenylate system, whereas in animals with reversible shock the energy state remained at control levels. Liver glycogen and glucose stores declined similarly in all shocked rats. The capacity of isolated liver mitochondria to produce ATP did not essentially differ in reversible and irreversible shock. Further investigations should consider the intracellular environment in evaluating the mitochondrial function in vivo during endotoxin shock.