Hematologic effects of hemoglobin solutions in animals

Hb could cause abnormalities in coagulation if stromal lipid contaminated the solution. We prepared Hb by two procedures; it was lipid-free by the assays employed. These solutions were given to three species of animals (dogs, pigs, primates) at the dose of 15 ml/kg and then observations were made for hematologic changes. Only dogs demonstrated significant alterations. A consistent transient thrombocytopenia (60% drop) was seen five minutes after infusion and returned to baseline by one hour. Control dogs, receiving albumin, also showed a transient thrombocytopenia but not as pronounced (15% drop). Two Hb-treated dogs had signs of subclinical DIC (positive FDF, protamine sulfate precipitation, and a 70% drop in Factor VIII). There were no differences in any hematologic parameters between Hb and albumin treated pigs and monkeys. These results show that species-specific hematologic responses to lipid-poor Hb can be demonstrated.