Differentiation of the anti-shock effect of ulinastatin from steroid hormone, by the continuous observation of microcirculation dynamics.

The effects of ulinastatin (UST) and methyl prednisolone (MPS) on endotoxin induced shock were compared by the criterion of microcirculation dynamics in rat mesenterium and plasma phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in modified Shwartzman reaction model. The mean arterial pressure and red cell velocity were well maintained when MPS was administered during endotoxin induced shock. In the case of UST, superior anti-shock effects, indicated by reduced vasoconstriction, were obtained when it was administered prior to endotoxin induced shock. The anti-shock effect of UST, similar to MPS, was supported by the change of serum PLA2 activity. Therefore, concerning the administration timing of anti-shock drugs, MPS should be administered after shock occurs, and UST is most effective as a prophylactic treatment. UST has an anti-shock effect like steroid hormone.