Suppressive effect of FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion on enhanced oxidative haemolysis in the early postburn phase

The effect of FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion on resistance of red blood cells to oxidative haemolysis and lipid peroxidation was evaluated in rats (full skin thickness burns over 15-20 per cent of total body surface area). The content of erythrocyte malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), alpha-tocopherol, glutathione (reduced and oxidized forms) and oxidative haemolysis were measured at 24 h after burn injury. Four groups were employed: (1) non-burned non-treated, (2) non-burned but treated with FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion (5 ml/kg bodymass i.v.), (3) burned non-treated, (4) burned but treated with FC-43 emulsion (5 ml/kg bodymass i.v.). The non-burned groups showed no significant differences in oxidative haemolysis, MDA levels or alpha-tocopherol and glutathione content. In the burned non-treated group the oxidative haemolysis elevated by 190 per cent (P < 0.001), MDA content increased by 43 per cent (P < 0.05), whereas the concentration of alpha-tocopherol and reduced glutathione (GSH) decreased significantly by 36 per cent and 18 per cent, respectively. The results showed reduction in the postburn MDA content by 30 per cent (P < 0.02) and oxidative haemolysis by 44 per cent (P < 0.001) after treatment with FC-43 emulsion. FC-43 emulsion did not change significantly the levels of alpha-tocopherol and GSH in erythrocytes after thermal injury. It is concluded that FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion administration suppresses early postburn lipid peroxidation and increases the resistance of red blood cells to oxidative haemolysis.