Effects of artificial blood (FC-43 emulsion) on myocardial energy metabolism in the rat heart-lung preparation.

We have assessed the effects of artificial blood (FC-43 emulsion) on myocardial energy metabolism in the rat heart-lung preparation. Animals were allocated to four groups (n = 8 each group) according to the ratio of perfusion blood and FC-43 as follows: group 1 = control, perfusion blood only; group 2 = 50% FC-43; group 3 = 75% FC-43; and group 4 = 100% FC-43. Hearts were perfused initially to a cardiac output of 30 ml min-1 and mean arterial pressure of 50 mm Hg. Thirty minutes after perfusion, the hearts were freeze-dried for 6 days. Myocardial high energy phosphates (ATP, ADP and AMP) were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. Myocardial lactate and glycogen concentrations were measured by enzymatic methods. There were almost no significant differences in cardiac output, systolic pressure, right atrial pressure and heart rate among the groups. Oxygen contents of the perfusate in all FC-43 groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. Myocardial ATP concentrations in rats receiving 50%, 75% and 100% FC-43 were significantly lower than those in the control group. In addition, myocardial ADP and AMP concentrations in rats receiving 75% and 100% FC-43 were significantly higher than those in the control group. Although there is adequate oxygen-carrying capacity in FC-43 to maintain cardiac function during perfusion, the energy levels in the hearts perfused with FC-43 were lower than those in normal hearts.