Intraarterial perfusion of the hindlimb with pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene conjugate solution in anesthetized dogs.

To evaluate the potential clinical usefulness of a modified hemoglobin, pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene conjugate (PHP), the hindlimb vascular bed was perfused with PHP solution while monitoring tissue oxygen tension (PtO2) in anesthetized dogs. The hindlimb region was perfused through the external iliac artery with a roller pump at a varying perfusion rate. PtO2 was measured using a PO2-monitoring probe inserted into the gracial muscle. After surgical preparation for perfusion, the iliac arterial flow rate was 19.9 +/- 5.6 ml/min, and baseline PtO2 was 38.4 +/- 1.3 mm Hg. Perfusion with autologous arterial blood with the pump increased PtO2 and perfusion pressure (PP) in a perfusion rate-dependent manner. Perfusion with PHP solution at 20 ml/min decreased PtO2 from the initial baseline level, but an increase in the flow rate to 40-55 ml/min restored or induced an elevation of PtO2. Results demonstrated that PHP solution can deliver oxygen to local tissue and maintain tissue oxygen tension at the same level as autologous arterial blood at a high enough flow rate.