Therapeutic effect of phenylbutazone on experimental acute Escherichia coli endotoxemia in ponies.

The research investigates the therapeutic effect of Phenylbutazone (PBZ), a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug, on ponies affected by an acute response to Escherichia coli endotoxin, despite the significant mitigation of symptoms, the drug didn’t affect the survival rate positively.

Research Background and Methodology

• The research was established to determine the effect of prostaglandins and other mediators on the response to intraperitoneal Escherichia coli endotoxin administration in ponies.
• Phenylbutazone (PBZ), a well-known anti-inflammatory and prostaglandin synthesis inhibiting drug, was used to alter and potentialize this effect.
• PBZ was administered intravenously to the animals 30 minutes after the endotoxin and the dosage was repeated 6 and 12 hours later but at a reduced dose.

Evaluation Measures

• A wide variety of measurements were utilized to assess the thesis, like hematologic values, blood glucose, pyruvate, lactate, fibrinogen levels, serum beta-glucuronidase, prothrombin time, blood gases, hepatic glycogen levels, plasma esterase activity, capillary refill time, and rectal temperature.
• All of these measures except blood fibrinogen, prothrombin time, and plasma esterase activities saw marked alterations post endotoxin administration.

Results and Conclusions

• PBZ treatment effectually blocked several physiological responses that are generally associated with endotoxin administration. Some of these include hemoconcentration, hyperglycemia, increased lactate in the blood, decreased availability of bicarbonate, lower blood pH, fever, and prolonged capillary refill time.
• Despite the vivid blocking effect of PBZ on the various physiological responses to endotoxin treatment, the survival rate didn’t show significant improvement. Thus, the comments on PBZ’s potential as a therapeutic agent for Escherichia coli endotoxemia remain reserved and call for additional investigation.