[Recent advances in artificial blood].

Naito, et al. has succeeded in the development of perfluorochemical emulsion which is capable of plasma volume expansion and oxygen transport. The perfluorochemical-based substitute named Fluosol-DA (FDA) has been proven to be effective for treatment of patients with hemorrhagic shock. FDA was administrated effectively when blood transfusion was refused for religious reason or delivery of compatible blood was delayed due to transportation or other factors. There is a wide range of other potential application of FDA. Organ perfusion with FDA has been a major concern. The usage of FDA as a priming solution for extracorporeal circulation has been studied. Its protective effect on cerebral ischemia and therapeutic effect on myocardial ischemic damage were reported. Current FDA, however, has some limitation. Relative short intravascular persistence, toxicity and instability of emulsion particles have been pointed out. Development of a new perfluorochemicals and a potent surfactant will solve the problems, and perfluorochemical emulsions will become much more practical and common.