Effects of hematocrit variations on regional hemodynamics and oxygen transport in the dog

The responses of alterations in regional hemodynamics and oxygen transport rate to hematocrit (Hct) were studied in 20 pentobarbitalized dogs. Hemodilution was carried out by isovolemic exchange with plasma in 12 dogs and the hemoconcentration with packed cells in 8 dogs. The cardiac output and regional blood flows were determined with the microsphere technique. In hemodilution, the increases of blood flow to the myocardium and the brain were out of proportion to the increase of cardiac output; the oxygen supply to the myocardium remained unchanged while that to the brain decreased only slightly. In hemoconcentration, vasodilation occurred in the myocardium and the brain to maintain constant oxygen supply. Splenic vessels had marked vasoconstriction with Hct alteration in either direction. Blood vessels in the liver, intestine, and kidney responded with a milder vasoconstriction and maintained a constant oxygen supply between Hct of 30-55%. Therefore, during Hct alteration, redistribution of blood flow to myocardium and brain occurred. The optimal Hct range for constant oxygen supply was different among various organs.