Assessment of Cardiovascular Function and Microvascular Permeability in a Conscious Rat Model of Alcohol Intoxication Combined with Hemorrhagic Shock and Resuscitation

Hypotension, cardiac depression, and elevated microvascular permeability are known problems that complicate resuscitation of patients following traumatic injury, particularly those who are also intoxicated from alcohol consumption. A conscious rat model of combined alcohol intoxication and hemorrhagic shock has been used to study the hemodynamic mechanisms involved. Here, we describe using this model to study microvascular leakage and cardiac electrical activity.