Effect of perfluorochemical (PFC) emulsion on acute carbon monoxide poisoning in rats

The effect of perfluorochemical (PFC) emulsion (25 w/v per cent of PFC concentration) on carbon monoxide poisoning was studied in rats exposed to 97 per cent O2 and three per cent CO. There was no significant difference in conversion rate of hemoglobin to carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) between PFC emulsion and saline groups. However, after re-exposure to pure oxygen, PFC emulsion group circulation reconverted to oxyhemoglobin (OXYHb) at a significantly faster rate than circulation in the control group. Survival time of rats was considerably affected by infusion of PFC emulsion and prolonged in proportion to increased injection dosage. Significant elevations in plasma glucose, lactate and aldolase levels and lactate/pyruvate ratio were found in the saline group and these levels remained well within normal range in the PFC emulsion group. These results indicate that PFC emulsion can function as an oxygen carrier in the presence of carbon monoxide and can deliver sufficient oxygen to peripheral tissues.