Changes in intravascular fluid composition following blood replacement with perfluorocarbon emulsion in the rat

The effects of near total blood replacement with the proprietary perfluorocarbon emulsion, Fluosol-DA, have been examined in conscious, chronically catheterized rats. Animals survived for up to 48 h with a haematocrit of less than 2%. No overt changes in cardiovascular or respiratory functions occurred during blood replacement but thereafter, animals showed a progressive deterioration of haemodynamic control. Changes in intravascular fluid composition during and following exchange-transfusion have been monitored and the extent to which these changes could have contributed to the eventual disruption of homeostasis is discussed.