Influence of volume expansion on capillary transport in the gut of Pichindé virus infected strain 13 guinea pigs.

Hydropenic strain 13 guinea pigs (GP13) injected with Pichindé virus show marked jejunal capillary disruption determined by a reduction in protein reflection coefficient (sigma) [Katz and Starr, 1990]. These studies examined whether this is reversed by a 2% Ringer's expansion, and whether anorexia may contribute to reduced sigma. GP13 were either infected or given a 60% expected ad lib diet, and were studied while under a 2% Ringer's expansion. The results showed 1) infected GP13 separated into groups with either a persistently low sigma (volume unresponsive) or a normal sigma (volume responsive), but no obvious feature of the animals could predict responsiveness; 2) caloric restriction had minimal to no effect on sigma; and 3) both responsive and unresponsive GP had increased heart, lung, and kidney weights. Volume expansion may have salutary effects in some infected GP13, and this is probably due to pressure mediated effects on the capillary wall. The findings support the possibility that conservative management of hemorrhagic fevers may directly ameliorate capillary leak.