Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Perfluorocarbons (artificial blood) are keen to bond with oxygen. Therefore, in tissues with blood flow decrease, they would be appropriate candidates to improve oxygen delivery to the ischemic tissues. Moreover, nitric oxide as an active vasodilator increases blood flow.

 Materials and Methods

 Transient common carotid artery ligation was performed on 15 male white anaesthetized rabbits that were randomized into 3 groups. The groups 1 and 2 received FC-43 and mannitol (12ml/Kg) respectively. The group 3 was considered as control without receiving injection. All animals were monitored for 5 hours. Systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, hematocrite, plasma level of nitrite and electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca⁺⁺) were measured before and after carotid artery ligation at 10 min, 30 min, 1 hour, 3hours and 5hours after injection. The animals were kept in isolated cages, and the survival of animals was monitored for one week. Finally all animals were sacrificed and brain water content was measured to compare the intensity of ischemic edema.

 Results

 A significant increase in nitrite level was observed in the first group at 10 min, 30 min and 1 hour after infusion as compared with the second and control groups (p<0.05). No significant difference was seen in other parameters between the groups between the groups.

 Conclusions

 Nitric oxide elevation showed improved blood circulation and oxygen delivery to ischemic tissues. It seems that FC-43 as a soluble oxygen delivery system can improve oxygen delivery to ischemic tissues and help their recovery.

 Key words : Nitric oxide, Perfluorocarbons, Common carotid artery.