Pharmacodynamic study of polymerized porcine hemoglobin (pPolyHb) in a rat model of exchange transfusion.

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the pharmacodynamic properties of polymerized porcine hemoglobin (pPolyHb) in an exchange transfusion model. Each of two groups of rats received a volume of pPolyHb or hetastarch that equalled 120-140% of estimated total blood volume (70 ml/kg) exchange transfusion. The results showed pPolyHb retained hemodynamic stability and exhibited superior volume expansion capability. Furthermore, pPolyHb effectively reverse anaerobic metabolism caused by a large amount of volume exchange. In comparison with hetastarch, pPolyHb increased blood oxygen content and tissue oxygenation. All these properties contribute to a higher effectiveness in sustaining the lives of rats in pPolyHb group.