BLOOD-EXCHANGE WITH PYRIDOXALATED AND POLYMERIZED HEMOGLOBIN SOLUTION

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 155  (3) , 342-346
Abstract
A solution of pyridoxalated and polymerized Hb was used for total blood exchange in the rat to test its effectiveness in vivo. Two groups of 8 rats each were transfused to 93-95% blood replacement with Hb (control group) or with modified Hb solution (experimental group). All of the rats in the experimental group survived and became hematologically and physiologically normal 8 days after transfusion, whereas the rats in the control group died at .apprx. 5 h after transfusion. Immediately after transfusion, the circulating fluid in the 2 groups of rats showed the same O2 carrying capacity. At 3 and 5 h after transfusion, differences in the O2 capacity were observed with values in the experimental group of 34 and 103% higher, respectively, than in the control group. The P50 [O2 tension at 50% saturation of Hb] of the vascular fluid in the experimental rats was 47-49% greater than the corresponding value in the control group at 0, 3 and 5 h after transfusion. The disappearance of Hb from plasma was faster in the control than in the experimental group, with a plasma half-disappearance time of 3.5 and 25 h, respectively. The differences observed in the rate of disappearance of plasma Hb were reflected in the rate of accumulation of Hb in the urine. A solution of pyridoxalated and polymerized Hb appears to be beneficial in blood replacement, since it promotes survival after massive transfusions.