LACTACIDEMIA DURANTE EL CHOQUE HEMORRAGICO EXPERIMENTAL

Lactacidemia and pyruvemia were measured and excess lactate and oxidation reduction potential values calculated in arterial and venous blood samples taken from the systemic circulation of dogs during hemorrhagic shock. The lactacidemia and the lactate pyruvate ratio increased remarkably whereas the pyruvemia did not change significantly. The metabolic conditions of the heart are discussed and it is suggested that lactate, which seems to be the main energy supply of the myocardium during hemorrhagic shock, may be metabolized, on the one hand, to CO₂ through the Krebs cycle, and on the other hand, converted to glycogen. It is also suggested that the degree of hypoxia of the heart in hemorrhagic shock is not as marked as has been assumed, and that the hypoxia is accentuated if there is a concomitant increase in heart rate.