[Effects of a partial exchange transfusion with Fluosol DA 20% on healthy pigs]

In 9 animals 500 ml of blood was replaced with 500 ml of Fluosol DA 20%. An average of 19.2 ml per kg body weight of emulsion, i.e. 3.883 gm per kg body weight of fluorocarbons was given. On the eighth day following exchange transfusion the animals were killed and tissue samples taken from liver and lung for electron microscopy and chemical analysis. Biochemical parameters were measured in central venous blood prior to transfusion and on the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 8th days. One animal died on the sixth day of study, hence only the results obtained from the remaining 8 animals were analysed. On removing the lungs a marked firmness of consistency and failure to collapse was noted. Electron microscopy revealed numerous phagocytic cells packed with foam-like substance, partly occluding the pulmonary capillaries. On chemical analysis a residue of 23.95 mg fluorocarbon per gm of lung tissue was found. Acid-base analysis of central venous blood showed a compensated respiratory acidosis on the 6th and 8th day. The hepatic reticulo-endothelial system was found to be laden with numerous vacuoles, to such a degree that the sinusoids were all practically fully occluded. Neither cell necrosis nor inflammatory reactions were observed.