[Protective effect of fluosol-DA in acute cerebral ischemia (author's transl)]

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 with mannitol. A total of 36 adult cats was divided into three groups and underwent 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 four 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 remarkable 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 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.