Determination of optimal dose of arginine vasopressin in hemorrhagic shock in dogs

The hemodynamic effects of vasopressin of high/low doses on dogs were investigated using experimentally induced hemorrhagic shock model. Experimental groups were categorized according to administered doses of vasopressin (0.1, 0.4 and 1.6 IU/kg) and hemodynamic parameters were measured before and after the graded-dose administration of vasopressin. Administration of high- and middle-dose vasopressin (0.4 and 1.6 IU/kg) showed superior increase in blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance, compared with those of low-dose one (0.1 IU/kg). Results of systolic arterial pressure and mean arterial pressure in 1.6 IU/kg-administered group revealed lower efficacy than that in 0.4 IU/kg group in spite of administration of higher dose. This study demonstrates that 0.4 IU/kg of vasopressin can be used as the most effective dose for improving hemodynamic condition in the decompensatory phase of hemorrhagic shock in dogs.