Dynamic changes of mouse cardiac functions in early stage of sepsis induced by CLP

AIM: To detect the changes of cardiac functions of septic mice in the early stage of sepsis. METHODS: Health male Kunming mice were used in the study. The techniques of 2D, M-mode and Doppler echocardiography were applied to evaluate the cardiac functions before cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) as baseline and at time points of 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h and 168 h after CLP. The mice survived for 168 h(7 d) were considered as survivals. RESULTS: Compared to the baseline at the time point of 24 h after CLP, the blood volumes of heart return decreased significantly in the early stage of sepsis induced by CLP. LVEDV reduced by 46%. Notable compensatory responses of the hearts in septic mice were observed, especially the systolic functions, in which LVEF and LVFS increased by 27% and 39%, respectively. However, the compensatory responses of diastolic function were weaker than the systoles. E/A ratio and EDT decreased by 30% and 25% respectively at the time point of 24 h. CONCLUSION: The strong compensatory cardiac functions are one of the factors for supporting the septic animal to survive. Protection of the cardiac functions especially the diastoles is important in the treatment of septic patients.