Attenuation of arteriolar alpha2-adrenoceptor sensitivity during endotoxemia

Experimental studies in male Wistar rats using videomicroscopy reveal that endotoxin shock or endotoxemia causes a decrease in adrenergic vasoconstrictor response of the arterioles of cremaster muscle, attenuates the alpha2-adrenergic receptor activity and exerts minimum influence on the activity of alpha1-adrenergic receptors. Endotoxin also attenuates the reduction in arteriolar concentration. A decrease in blood flow and the resultant metabolic disturbances also mediate the decrease in alpha2-sensitivity.