Hepatic microcirculation, leukocyte-endothelial interaction, and sinusoidal widths were studied by means of intravital microscopy in a non-heparinized fixed pressure hemorrhagic shock model in the rat. Asanguineous resuscitation was performed either with "adequate" amounts of lactated Ringer's solution (threefold shed volume/30 min) or 4 ml/kg/3 min 7.2% saline/10% Dextran 60 (HSDex) or 4 ml/kg/3 min 7.2% saline/10% hydroxyethylstarch 200/0.62 (HSHes). Hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation was paralleled by significant (P < 0.01) lumenal narrowing of sinusoids that remained largely uninfluenced by the type of fluid used for resuscitation (HSDex: 9.28 +/- 0.56; HSHes: 8.93 +/- 0.29, LR: 8.87 +/- 0.6 microns compared to 12.17 +/- 0.24 microns in controls). Whereas HSHes and LR-therapy resulted in comparably increased leukocyte adhesion to the sinusoidal wall, the dextran-containing solution led to a significant attenuation of leukocyte-endothelial interaction, suggesting involvement of dextran-binding adhesion molecules, e.g., selectins.