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The objective of this study is to gain knowledge on the morphologic changes in the brain cortex at the height of an endotoxin shock, since only scanty data on these changes are available in the literature. Sixteen dogs, injected intravenously with endotoxin of Escherichia coli strain 0111:B4 in a dose of 2 mg/kg bodyweight, comprised the study group. Four hours after the endotoxin injection the brains of all experimental animals were examined by routine histologic methods and of five of them--by electron microscopy. The results of light- and electron-microscopic examination showed that the morphologic lesions were localized in the microcirculatory area and the ganglial cells of the brain. The microcirculation changes included a wellmarked sludge-phenomenon and changes in endothelial cell structure (increase in the number of ribosomes and pinocytic vesicles, enhanced luminal evagination), which, as a whole, are a morphologic expression of increased vascular permeability. It is assumed that the observed cortical neurone changes are due to microcirculatory disorders and have no bearing on the direct action of endotoxin on them.

Our research showed in the endotoxic shock no fundamental and durable changes with reference to oxygen partial pressure and oxyhemoglobin saturation of the arterial blood within the first two hours. On the other hand the oxygen contents of the arterial blood decreased progressively in connection with the progressive decrease of hemoglobin. In detail the arterial oxygen partial pressure decreased within the first 30 minutes after the endotoxin injection and normalized itself by the sixtieth minute, afterwards it remained stationary. Statistically significant divergences of the oxyhemoglobin saturation were not existing during the whole examination. The oxygen contents of the blood decreased progressively in consequence of lower hemoglobin values.

The output of gastric secretion, gastric juice pH and its proteolytic activity are studied in twelve white rats in the state of endotoxic shock. Gastric juice from the animals is collected during two different periods - prior to shock, and during the shock - with the first period serving as a control. The proteolytic capacity of gastric juice is assayed enzymophoretically. In the course of endotoxin shock a statistically reliable decrease in gastric secretion output, as well as reduced acidity manifested with increase in pH and reduction to full disappearance of the proteolytic capacity of gastric juice are established in the animals experimented upon. The obtained results are interpreted in the light of direct and indirect inhibition of the gastric mucosa secretory activity.