REGIONAL CIRCULATORY AND SYSTEMIC HEMODYNAMIC-EFFECTS OF DIASPIRIN CROSS-LINKED HEMOGLOBIN IN THE RAT

Diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb(TM)) (Baxter Healthcare Corpo ration) is a promising resuscitative fluid. The effect of DCLHb (400 m g/kg, iv), on regional circulation and systemic hemodynamics was studi ed in male Sprague-Dawley rats using a radioactive microsphere techniq ue. Systemic hemodynamics, distribution of cardiac output, regional bl ood flow and vascular resistance were determined before (baseline) and 15, 30 and 60 min after the administration of DCLHb. Infusion of an e qual volume of saline did not produce any significant change in system ic hemodynamics or regional circulation. DCLHb produced on increase (7 9%) in the mean blood pressure which lasted for more than 60 min. Hear t rate, cardiac output and stroke volume were not significantly affect ed, while total peripheral resistance was increased after the administ ration of DCLHb. DCLHb produced significant increases in blood flow to the heart, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), portal system and skin. The blood flow to kidney, brain and musculoskeletal system was not signifi cantly affected by DCLHb. The vascular resistance was not altered in t he heart, brain, GIT, portal system, kidney or skin, but there was a m arked increase in the vascular resistance in the musculoskeletal syste m. There was a significant increase in the percentage of cardiac outpu t to visceral organs like heart, GIT and portal system, while a marked decrease in the percent cardiac output to musculoskeletal system was observed with DCLHb. It is concluded that the blood flow to most of th e organs is either increased or is not affected by DCLHb.