Our animal model of low and high IAP by intraperitoneal CO2-insufflation worked well for studies of microcirculation, hemodynamics, and pulmonary function. During stepwise increases of pressure there were marked effects on global hemodynamics, respiratory function, and microcirculation. The results indicate that intestinal mucosal flow, especially small bowel mucosal flow, although reduced, seems better preserved in response to intra-abdominal hypertension caused by CO2-insufflation than other intra-abdominal microvascular beds.