Endotoxic shock alters distribution of blood flow within the intestinal wall

Abstract

Mucosal hypoperfusion does not account for the acidotic mucosal tonometric pH in endotoxic shock. The results suggest either a primary cytotoxic effect or an enhanced counter-current-mediated hypoxic insult in the apical villus. The decrease in blood flow to the muscularis may contribute to loss of intestinal wall peristaltic activity and structural wall integrity.