Trans-sodium crocetinate increases oxygen delivery to brain parenchyma in rats on oxygen supplementation

Trans-sodium crocetinate (TSC) is a vitamin A-analog that increases diffusivity of oxygen in aqueous solutions, including plasma. The current study is the initial investigation of the effects of TSC on oxygen delivery to brain. Adult male rats were intubated and ventilated with 21%, 60%, or 100% oxygen. A craniotomy was performed and a Licox rat brain tissue PO(2) probe inserted into parietal cortex. Rats were then administered intravenous infusions of either TSC or saline and brain tissue PO(2) values were recorded. TSC significantly increased brain tissue oxygen delivery. This effect was minimal in rats ventilated with normal air and substantial in rats on oxygen supplementation. Arterial blood gas parameters did not differ within groups. These results provide clear indication to study the utility of TSC in ameliorating hypoxic/ischemic insults in neurological disorders.