SUPPRESSIVE EFFECT OF FC-43 PERFLUOROCARBON EMULSION ON ENHANCED OXIDATIVE HEMOLYSIS IN THE EARLY POSTBURN PHASE

The effect of FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion on resistance of red bloo d cells to oxidative haemolysis and lipid peroxidation was evaluated i n rats (full skin thickness burns over 15-20 per cent of total body su rface area). The content of erythrocyte malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), alph a-tocopherol, glutathione (reduced and oxidized forms) and oxidative h aemolysis were measured at 24 h after burn injury. Four groups were em ployed: (1) non-burned non-treated, (2) non-burned but treated with FC -43 perfluorocarbon emulsion (5 ml/kg bodymass i.v.), (3) burned non-t reated, (4) burned but treated with FC-43 emulsion (5 ml/kg bodymass i .v.). The non-burned groups showed no significant differences in oxida tive haemolysis, MDA levels or alpha-tocopherol and glutathione conten t. In the burned non-treated group the oxidative haemolysis elevated b y 190 per cent (P<0.001), MDA content increased by 43 per cent (P<0.05 ), whereas the concentration of alpha-tocopherol and reduced glutathio ne (GSH) decreased significantly by 36 per cent and 18 per cent, respe ctively The results showed reduction in the postburn MDA content by 30 per cent (P<0.02) and oxidative haemolysis by 44 per cent (P<0.001) a fter treatment with FC-43 emulsion. FC-43 emulsion did not change sign ificantly the levels of alpha-tocopherol and GSH in erythrocytes after thermal injury. It is concluded that FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion a dministration suppresses early postburn lipid peroxidation and increas es the resistance of red blood cells to oxidative haemolysis. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd for ISBI.