ADMINISTRATION OF A PERFLUOROCHEMICAL EMULSION PLUS CARBOGEN BREATHING DOES NOT ALTER RADIATION PNEUMONITIS

The effects of treatment with a perfluorochemical emulsion plus carbog en on radiation pneumonitis were examined in a rat model system. Rats received thoracic irradiation (15 Gy) and radiation reactions in the l ungs were assessed 25 and 35 days later using bronchoalveolar lavage a nd histologic assessments. The irradiated lungs showed the expected ev idence of acute radiation pneumonitis, including protein leaks and als o alveolar infiltrates and interstitial infiltrates. Administration of a perfluorochemical emulsion (Fluosol; 15 ml/kg) plus carbogen breath ing for 30 min before and during irradiation did not enhance the react ions seen in the irradiated lungs.