The rate of lipid oxidation in septic rat models.

In order to examine the rate of lipid oxidation in sepsis, lipid infusion studies were carried out using two experimental models of septic rats, namely; an endotoxin group, and a cecum ligation and puncture group. Following the administration of glucose at a caloric amount equivalent to the measured resting energy expenditure (REE), the respiratory quotient (RG) values dropped promptly in the control group, but decreased only slightly in the septic groups. Following the administration of a lower dose of glucose (0.5 kcal/100 g B.W./hr), however, a lipid infusion promptly decreased the value of RQ in the septic groups. These results suggest that lipid oxidation was depressed in the septic groups and that the degree of depression was greatly influenced by the relationship between REE and the amount of administered glucose.