Chapter 2
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Septic Cardiomyopathy
Jamison J. Grailer and Peter A. Ward
Abstract
Cardiac dysfunction is a well-known complication of severe sepsis and septic shock. Septic cardiomyopathy is characterized by reduced cardiac output and left ventricular pressures and biventricular dilatation, resulting in systemic hypoperfusion and multi-organ failure. There is emerging evidence suggesting that mediators of septic cardiomyopathy include cardio-depressive cytokines, Toll-like receptor signaling, cardiomyocyte production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, and dysregulated Ca<sup>2+</sup> homeostasis. This chapter will review the current evidence describing the cellular and molecular mechanisms of septic cardiomyopathy.
Total Pages: 41-56 (16)
Purchase Chapter
Book Details