Decrease of plasma fibronectin concentration following infusion of a gelatin-based plasma substitute in man

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Pharmacology
• Immunology

Background:

• Plasma substitutes are crucial in managing blood volume loss.
• Fibronectin plays a vital role in immune function and tissue repair.
• Understanding the interaction between plasma expanders and plasma proteins is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of Haemaccel, a gelatin-based plasma substitute, on plasma fibronectin levels and function.
• To compare the effects of Haemaccel with a dextran-based plasma substitute, Macrodex.
• To assess the impact on fibronectin's ability to bind gelatin.

Main Methods:

• Healthy volunteers received an intravenous infusion of 500 ml Haemaccel.
• Plasma fibronectin concentration was measured at various time points post-infusion.
• Fibronectin's gelatin-binding capacity was assessed after infusion.
• A comparative study using Macrodex was conducted.

Main Results:

• Haemaccel infusion led to a significant decrease in immunoreactive plasma fibronectin at 48 and 72 hours.
• One hour post-infusion, fibronectin's gelatin-binding ability was inhibited.
• Fibronectin binding function gradually recovered within 48 hours.
• Macrodex did not exhibit these effects on plasma fibronectin.

Conclusions:

• Gelatin-based plasma substitutes like Haemaccel can transiently impair plasma fibronectin concentration and function.
• The observed effects on fibronectin are specific to the gelatin-based formulation.
• Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of Haemaccel's impact on fibronectin.