Protective effect of Fluosol-DA in acute cerebral ischemia

Fluosol-DA (Perfluorochemical Blood Substitutes) are small particle fluorocarbons suspended in an emulsion and have a high propensity for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide. Fluosol-DA was investigated for the modification of acute focal cerebral ischemia and compared to mannitol. A total of 36 adult cats were divided into 3 groups and had transorbital microtourniquet ligation of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Control animals were given intravenous isotonic saline. Animals in the experimental groups were treated with either intravenous Fluosol-DA or mannitol. All animals were nursed in an oxygen chamber and 4 cats from each group were sacrificed at 1, 3 and 6 hours after MCA occlusion. The results of macroscopic and histological examination of the brain suggested Fluosol-DA had a definite protective effect on acute focal cerebral ischemia which was in keeping with the observed neurological outcome. It is suggested that Fluosol-DA may support flow in the microcirculation and that the small particles of Fluosol-DA may be able to reach the area of ischemia via collaterals by decreasing blood viscosity, preventing narrowing of the arteriolar and capillary lumen and increasing the cerebral blood flow.