Evaluation of the intraperitoneal route for the transfusion of erythrocytes using rats and dogs.

The intraperitoneal transfusion of red cells in rats and dogs was evaluated as an alternative route for blood restoration. Erythrocytes labeled with 59Fe, equivalent to about 50% of the estimated total red cell volume, were injected in the abdominal cavity of 5 dogs. Three other dogs and 12 rats were injected with a volume proportional to the 9%. The maximal incorporation of tagged red cells in the circulation of the rats was of 96 +/- 7% at 48 h. One half of the erythrocytes disappeared from the circulation 29 days later. Computing data from all dogs, the mean highest value, 91.2 +/- 6%, was reached at 96 h and although random destruction of the cells occurred, the estimated T1/2 of survival was about 66 days. The injection was completed in about 15 seconds in the rats and in 2 to 4 minutes in the dogs. At the necropsy only minor serosal reactions were observed in the peritoneal cavity of the animals. Intraperitoneal transfusion can be recommended as a rapid, safe and efficient procedure for blood supply.