POLYMERIZED PYRIDOXYLATED HEMOGLOBIN - A RED-CELL SUBSTITUTE WITH NORMAL OXYGEN CAPACITY

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 95  (4) , 433-438
Abstract
Polymerization of pyridoxylated stroma free Hb (poly SFH-P) yields a solution with a normal Hb concentration, normal colloid osmotic pressure (COP), and a suitable P50 [O2 tension at 50% saturation of Hb]. Its in vivo O2-carrying capacity and intravascular persistence were compared with those of pyridoxylated Hb (SFH-P), following a partial exchange transfusion (900 ml) in adult baboons (n = 4 in each group). Poly SFH-P in plasma had an O2-carrying capacity that was 77% greater than that achieved with SFH-P (8.0 vs. 4.5 vol%). Poly SFH-P provided 5.0 vol% at the end of 24 h and 2.5 vol% at the end of 48 h; in contrast SFH-P provided only 2.2 vol% at the end of 6 h and none within 24 h. A normal COP was maintained throughout the postexchange period with poly SFH-P despite a 68% increase in plasma protein concentration (from 7.1-11.9 gm/dl). The plasma P50 of poly SFH-P decreased from 16 torr immediately after exchange to 12 torr at the end of 48 h. The in vivo rate of conversion to methemoglobin was similar with both solutions. Polymerized pyridoxylated Hb is currently the only modification of Hb solution that approximates the O2-carrying capacity of whole blood and can be infused without altering the plasma COP.