Albumin-binding superoxide dismutase with a prolonged half-life reduces reperfusion brain injury.

To test the possible involvement of superoxide radicals in the pathogenesis of reperfusion injury, we synthesized a superoxide dismutase (SOD) derivative [poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) butyl ester (SM) covalently linked to SOD] that circulates bound to albumin, has a prolonged in vivo half-life, and accumulates in pH-decreased tissues. The protective effects of SM-SOD on regional cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure, cardiac index, vascular permeability, and neurological outcome were investigated using a model of global brain ischemia in dogs. Intra-arterial injection of SM-SOD (10 mg/kg) just before reperfusion increased reactive hyperemia (SM-SOD, 160 +/- 36 ml.100 g-1.min-1, means +/- SD, n = 6; control, 100 +/- 34 ml.100 g-1.min-1, n = 6, P = 0.015), ameliorated delayed hypoperfusion (7 h after ischemia: SM-SOD, 40 +/- 14 ml.100 g-1.min-1; control 17 +/- 6 ml.100 g-1.min-1, P = 0.003), vascular permeability, and neurological outcome without affecting the cardiac index. These results indicate that superoxide radicals and/or their metabolite(s) might play a critical role in the pathogenesis of reperfusion injury in the brain.