[Therapeutic effect of L-arginine on traumatic shock in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of L-arginine (L-Arg) on traumatic shock in rats and explore the possible mechanisms. METHODS: Rat models of traumatic shock were established in Sprague-Daulay rats, which were randomly divided into two groups either to receive L-Arg treatment or not. The plasma concentration of endothelin (ET) and oxygen partial pressure in the tissues from the skeletal muscles, liver and small intestine were measured before and after the shock and 1, 3, and 5 h after resuscitation. The hemodynamics of the rats and their survival rates at 12 and 24 h were recorded. RESULTS: The changes of plasma ET levels and oxygen partial pressure in tissues of both groups were statistically significant after traumatic shock (P<0.05). Plasma ET concentration at 5 h after resuscitation was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the non-treatment shock group (P<0.05), while oxygen partial pressure in the liver and small intestine after resuscitation were significantly higher in the treatment group (P<0.05). The survival rates at 12 and 24 h were also significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Adscititious L-Arg can decrease plasma ET levels, improve oxygen partial pressure of internal organs and significantly increase the survival rate of the rats with traumatic shock.