HISTAMINE-RECEPTOR CONTROL OF GASTRIC MICROVASCULATURE IN SHOCK

Control of gastric mucosal blood flow in hemorrhagic shock was investigated, in an anesthetized miniature swine model, using H1-receptor (diphenhydramine) and H2-receptor (cimetidine) antagonisms. The animals were divided into two experimental groups: (i) diphenhydramine treatment; and (ii) diphenhydramine plus cimetidine treatment. Results were compared to previously reported untreated controls and animals who received cimetidine alone. Conclusions reached were: (1) Histamine receptors in the gastric microvasculature do play a role in the control of mucosal blood flow during shock. (2) H2-Receptor antagonism, whether alone or in conjunction with H1-receptor antagonism, results in significant protection against a shock-related decrease in gastric mucosal blood flow. (3) H1-Receptor antagonism does not affect gastric mucosal blood flow in shock. © 1979.