The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinoptilolite as a cartridge
for haemoperfusion columns. Changes in haematological indices and blo
od plasma macro-elements were evaluated during haemoperfusion in sheep
with the use of zeolitic and commercial haemoperfusion columns. Haemo
perfusions were done in two groups of sheep (n=6) for 2 hours, In the
first group, commercial haemoperfusion columns HEMASORB 400 C filled w
ith active charcoal were used. In the second group, the columns used w
ere filled with sodium form of natural zeolite-clinoptilolite partiall
y saturated with potassium chloride. During 2 hours of haemoperfusion
significant decrease in numbers of leukocytes and thrombocytes (P<0.01
) were found in both types of columns. There were no significant diffe
rences between the groups, except for the number of thrombocytes and p
lasma sodium concentration in the blood leaving the zeolitic columns w
ith significantly lower values after 30 min (134.3+/-28.9 vs. 251.0+/-
55.4 G.l(-1), P<0.01; and 144.17+/-9.13 vs. 157.17+/-7.36 mmol.l(-1),
P<0.05; respectively) compared with commercial HEMASORB columns. Howev
er, final evaluation of biocompatibility of zeolitic haemoperfusion co
lumns will require more detailed research.