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Biomedical subjects

Robert M Winslow

Publications and source records attributed to Robert M Winslow.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Red cell substitutes.

Oxygen-carrying plasma expanders (blood substitutes) have been sought for over a century. Development of current products is a result of evolution in the understanding of proteins in general, of hemoglobin in particular, and of how cell-free hemoglobin interacts with the control of local blood flow to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation. Hemoglobin-based products are considered in four "generations" corresponding to major improvements. First-generation products consisted of hemoglobin, freed of red cell membranes (stroma-free hemoglobin [SFH]), which was renal toxic and vasoactive. Second-generation products were polymerized with aldehyde reagents to reduce or eliminate the renal toxicity, but the products were heterogeneous and still vasoactive. Third-generation products employed more specific intramolecular crosslinking to eliminate polymerization and promote homogeneity, but they also remained vasoactive. Fourth-generation products are based on a new understanding of the way in which microvascular blood flow is controlled and the influence of O(2) delivery to vascular walls. After more than a century of research, one of these new solutions should find use as an alternative to red cells for transfusion in certain clinical settings.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Oxidation and haem loss kinetics of poly(ethylene glycol)-conjugated haemoglobin (MP4): dissociation between in vitro and in vivo oxidation rates.

Haemoglobin-based oxygen carriers can undergo oxidation of ferrous haemoglobin into a non-functional ferric form with enhanced rates of haem loss. A recently developed human haemoglobin conjugated to maleimide-activated poly(ethylene glycol), termed MP4, has unique physicochemical properties (increased molecular radius, high oxygen affinity and low cooperativity) and lacks the typical hypertensive response observed with most cell-free haemoglobin solutions. The rate of in vitro MP4 autoxidation is higher compared with the rate for unmodified SFHb (stroma-free haemoglobin), both at room temperature (20-22 degrees C) and at 37 degrees C (P<0.001). This appears to be attributable to residual catalase activity in SFHb but not MP4. In contrast, MP4 and SFHb showed the same susceptibility to oxidation by reactive oxygen species generated by a xanthine-xanthine oxidase system. Once fully oxidized to methaemoglobin, the rate of in vitro haem loss was five times higher in MP4 compared with SFHb in the fast phase, which we assign to the beta subunits, whereas the slow phase (i.e. haem loss from alpha chains) showed similar rates for the two haemoglobins. Formation of MP4 methaemoglobin in vivo following transfusion in rats and humans was slower than predicted by its first-order in vitro autoxidation rate, and there was no appreciable accumulation of MP4 methaemoglobin in plasma before disappearing from the circulation. These results show that MP4 oxidation and haem loss characteristics observed in vitro provide information regarding the effect of poly(ethylene glycol) conjugation on the stability of the haemoglobin molecule, but do not correspond to the oxidation behaviour of MP4 in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Dissociation of local nitric oxide concentration and vasoconstriction in the presence of cell-free hemoglobin oxygen carriers.

Cell-free hemoglobin's (CFH) high affinity for nitric oxide (NO) could limit CFH's use as an oxygen-carrying blood replacement fluid because it scavenges NO, causing vasoconstriction and hypertension. However, the extent to which perivascular NO levels change following intravascular administration of hemoglobin (Hb) with different molecular dimensions correlates with vasoconstrictive responses in the microcirculation is unknown. The study objective was to determine vasoconstrictive effects following bolus infusions of (1) alphaalpha cross-linked Hb; (2) polymerized bovine Hb; or (3) polyethylene glycol-decorated Hb (PEG-Hb), by measurements of in vivo microvessel diameter, blood flow, perivascular NO concentration, and systemic hemodynamic parameters. All CFHs caused reductions in perivascular NO levels, not correlated to microvascular responses. PEG-Hb (largest molecular volume) maintained blood flow, while the others caused vasoconstriction and reduced perfusion. All solutions increased mean arterial pressure due to vasoconstriction and blood volume expansion, except for PEG-Hb, which increased blood pressure due to blood volume expansion and maintenance of cardiac output. In conclusion, perivascular NO reduction is similar for all Hb solutions because NO binding affinities are similar; however, effects on vascular resistance are related to the type of molecular modification, molecular volume, and oxygen affinity.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

A multicenter clinical study of the safety and activity of maleimide-polyethylene glycol-modified Hemoglobin (Hemospan) in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hemospan (Sangart Inc., San Diego, CA), a polyethylene glycol-modified hemoglobin with unique oxygen transport properties, has successfully completed a phase I trial in healthy volunteers. Because adverse events are expected to increase with age, the authors conducted a phase II safety study of Hemospan in elderly patients undergoing elective hip arthroplasty during spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Ninety male and female patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III, aged 50-89 yr, in six Swedish academic hospitals were randomly assigned to receive either 250 or 500 ml Hemospan or Ringer's acetate (30 patients/group) before induction of spinal anesthesia. Safety assessment included vital signs and Holter monitoring from infusion to 24 h, evaluation of laboratory values, and fluid balance. The hypothesis to be tested was that the incidence of adverse events would be no more frequent in patients who received Hemospan compared with standard of care (Ringer's acetate). RESULTS: Three serious adverse events were noted, none of which was deemed related to study treatment. Liver enzymes, amylase, and lipase increased transiently in patients in all three groups. There were no significant differences in electrocardiogram or Holter parameters, but there was a suggestion of more bradycardic events in the treated groups. Hypotension was less frequent in the treated patients compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with Ringer's acetate, Hemospan mildly elevates hepatic enzymes and lipase and is associated with less hypotension and more bradycardic events. The absence of a high frequency of serious adverse events suggests that further clinical trials should be undertaken.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Extreme hemodilution with PEG-hemoglobin vs. PEG-albumin.

Isovolemic hemodilution to 11% systemic hematocrit was performed in the hamster window chamber model using 6% dextran 70 kDa (Dx 70) and 5% human serum albumin (HSA). Systemic and microvascular effects of these solutions were compared with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated 5% albumin (MPA) and PEG-conjugated 4.2% Hb (MP4). These studies were performed for the purpose of comparing systemic and microvascular responses of PEG vs. non-PEG plasma expanders and similar oxygen-carrying vs. noncarrying blood replacement fluids. Mean arterial blood pressure was statistically significantly reduced for all groups compared with baseline (P < 0.05), HSA, MPA, and MP4 higher than Dx 70 (P < 0.05). MP4 and MPA had a significantly higher cardiac index than HSA and Dx 70, in addition to a positive base excess. Microvascular blood flow and capillary perfusion were significantly higher for the PEG compounds compared with HSA and Dx 70. Intravascular PO2 for MP4 and MPA was higher in arterioles (P < 0.05) compared with HSA and Dx 70, but there was no difference in either tissue or venular PO2 between groups. Total Hb in the MP4 group was 4.8 +/- 0.4 g/dl, whereas the remaining groups had a range of 3.6-3.8 g/dl. The hemodilution results showed that PEG compounds maintained microvascular conditions with lower concentrations than conventional plasma expanders. Furthermore, microvascular oxygen delivery and extraction in the window chamber tissue were significantly higher for the PEG compounds. MP4 was significantly higher than MPA (P < 0.05) and was not statistically different from baseline, an effect due to the additional oxygen release to the tissue by the Hb MP4.

Albumins↗
PubMed2005

Effects of extreme hemodilution with hemoglobin-based O2 carriers on microvascular pressure.

A surface-modified polyethylene glycol-conjugated human hemoglobin (MP4) and alpha alpha-cross-linked human hemoglobin (alpha alpha Hb) were used to restore oxygen carrying capacity in conditions of extreme hemodilution (hematocrit 11%) in the hamster window model preparation. Changes in microvascular function were analyzed in terms of effects on capillary pressure and functional capillary density (FCD). MP4, at 1.0 +/- 0.2 g/dl blood concentration, significantly lowered mean arterial pressure (MAP) below baseline (99.6 +/- 7.6 mmHg) to 82.4 +/- 6.9 mmHg (P < 0.05) and decreased of FCD to 70 +/- 9%. alpha alpha Hb caused a greater recovery in MAP to 94.4 +/- 6.2 mmHg and lowered FCD to 62 +/- 8%. However, differences between alpha alpha Hb and MP4 in FCD were not statistically significant. Capillary pressures were in the ranges of 17-21 mmHg for MP4 and 15-19 mmHg for alpha alpha Hb, with both significantly lower than baseline (P < 0.05). Pressure in 80-microm-diameter arterioles was significantly increased with alpha alpha Hb relative to MP4 (P < 0.05). These results were compared with previous findings on the relation between capillary pressure and FCD; they supported the concept of a relationship between FCD and capillary pressure. Measurement of changes in arteriolar diameter, microvascular blood flow, and FCD show that there was no statistical difference between using alpha alpha Hb and MP4 in extreme hemodilution. Microvascular resistance in arterioles with a diameter range of 70-80 microm showed an increase relative to control with alpha alpha Hb, whereas MP4 caused a decrease.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Targeted O2 delivery by low-p50 hemoglobin: a new basis for hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers.

We have proposed new criteria for a successful cell-free, hemoglobin-based O2 carrier. These include increased molecular radius, increased viscosity, increased oncotic pressure, and reduced p50. A new molecule, MalPEG-Hb, formulated at 4.2g/dL in lactated Ringer's solution (MP4), has been produced according to these new criteria. MP4 has a p50 of 5-6 mm Hg, oncotic pressure of 49mm Hg and viscosity of 2.2cPs. After 50% exchange transfusion with MP4, rats survive a 60% controlled hemorrhage in spite of total hemoglobin of 7.8 g/dL and plasma hemoglobin concentration of 1.6 g/dL. This model results in 50% mortality in control animals and 100% mortality in animals exchange-transfused with either crosslinked or polymerized hemoglobin. Oxygen supply to tissue was measured directly in the hamster skinfold model, in which O2 release in precapillary and capillary vessels can be quantified. The data demonstrate that the effectiveness of MP4 results from its ability to conserve O2 in precapillary vessels and release O2 in capillaries, thereby "targeting" O2 to hypoxic tissue. Preservation of functional capillary density and prevention of vasoconstriction further contribute to the effectiveness of this new formulation.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Enhanced molecular volume of conservatively pegylated Hb: (SP-PEG5K)6-HbA is non-hypertensive.

Recent studies have suggested that the "pressor effect" of acellular Hb is a consequence of perturbation of the macro-and microcirculatory system in multiple ways, and that PEGylation is an effective approach for controlling the same. In an attempt to confirm this concept, a new and simple thiolation mediated, maleimide chemistry-based conservative PEGylation protocol has been developed to conjugate multiple copies of PEG-chains to Hb. This approach combines the high reactivity of maleimides towards thiols with the propensity of iminothiolane to derivatize the epsilon-amino groups of proteins into reactive thiol groups, with conservation of their positive charge. One of the PEGylated products, namely (SP-PEG5K)6-HbA, that carries on an average six copies of PEG5000 chains per Hb, is non-hypertensive in hamster top load and in rat 50% exchange transfusion models. This hexa-PEGylated-Hb has (i) a hydrodynamic volume corresponding to that of an oligomerized Hb of 256kDa, (ii) a molecular radius of approximately 6.8 nm, (iii) high oxygen affinity, (iv) lowered Bohr effect, and (v) increased viscosity and colloidal osmotic pressure. These properties of (SP-PEG5K)6-HbA are consistent with the emerging new paradigms for the design of Hb based oxygen carriers and confirm the concept that the "pressor effect" of Hb is a multifactorial event. The thiolation mediated maleimide chemistry-based PEGylation protocol described here for the generation of (SP-PEG5K)6-Hb is simple, highly efficient, and is carried out under oxy conditions. The results demonstrate that a non-hypertensive PEG-Hb can be generated by conjugation of a lower number of PEG chains than previously reported.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

MalPEG-hemoglobin (MP4) improves hemodynamics, acid-base status, and survival after uncontrolled hemorrhage in anesthetized swine.

OBJECTIVES: MalPEG-hemoglobin, 4 g/dL (MP4), is a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier with a low hemoglobin concentration, low P50 (oxygen half-saturation pressure of hemoglobin), high colloid osmotic pressure, and high viscosity. This study evaluated resuscitation with MP4 in anesthetized swine hemorrhaged 250 mL by controlled withdrawal, followed by a 5-mm tear in the abdominal aorta. DESIGN: Randomized, unblinded. SETTING: Academic animal laboratory. SUBJECTS: Anesthetized male and female Swedish Landrace pigs. INTERVENTIONS: Four groups of pigs (n = 7 each) were randomized after hemorrhage by aortic tear to receive 250 mL of MP4, Ringer's acetate, 10% pentastarch, or 4 g/dL of stroma-free hemoglobin, followed by aortic repair and transfusion of 250 mL of autologous blood. End points were 20-hr survival, hemodynamic variables, and acid-base status. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Measurements included continuous aortic, pulmonary arterial, and central venous pressures, cardiac output by thermodilution, arterial and venous blood gases; electrolytes; lactate; base excess; oxygen delivery, consumption, and extraction ratio; hematocrit; hemoglobin; and urine output. Body weight (24-27 kg) and hemorrhage volume (26-33 mL/kg) were similar in the four groups. The nadir of mean arterial pressure (22-28 mm Hg) and the increase in lactic acid (5-8 mEq/L) after hemorrhage were similar in all groups, indicating equivalent shock in the four groups. Survival was greatest in the MP4-treated animals (six of seven) compared with Ringer's acetate (two of seven), 10% pentastarch (one of seven), and stroma-free hemoglobin (two of seven) and was accompanied by an improved recovery of arterial pressure, cardiac output, and lactate. Total hemoglobin concentration was equivalent in all groups. Arterial pressure did not increase above baseline values, and systemic vascular resistance was unchanged following administration of MP4, indicating the lack of peripheral vasoconstriction. Mortality in Ringer's acetate, stroma-free hemoglobin, and 10% pentastarch treated animals was associated with deteriorating acid-base status, low urine output, and hyperkalemia. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that restoration of oxygen delivery with a small volume of MP4 yields significant recovery from hemorrhage without systemic vasoconstriction.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed2005

A phase I single blind clinical trial of a new oxygen transport agent (MP4), human hemoglobin modified with maleimide-activated polyethylene glycol.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: MP4 (Hemospan), a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, has been designed to deliver oxygen to hypoxic tissues without causing vasoconstriction. A phase I clinical trial of MP4 was undertaken to evaluate whether MP4 elicits the clinical side effects associated with previous hemoglobin-based solutions. DESIGN AND METHODS: Twelve volunteers were studied. One cohort (n=4) received 50 mg/kg of MP4, a second (n=4) received 100 mg/kg of MP4, and the third (n=4) received lactated Ringer's solution. Single blind infusions were given at 5 mL/min. Vital signs and symptoms, hematologic parameters, serum chemistry, renal and electrocardiographic measurements were monitored for 15 days after dosing. RESULTS: Five mild adverse events occurred in the controls and 2 each in the 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg MP4 groups. None was severe or judged related to MP4 administration by the principal investigator. There were no clinically significant alterations in blood pressure or heart rate, and there were no gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal or flank pain, loss of appetite or clinically significant alterations of liver or pancreatic enzymes. In one subject (100 mg/kg of MP4), amylase and lipase were slightly above the upper limit of normal 4 hours after dosing, but without associated symptoms or signs. Pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma hemoglobin (assuming no hemolysis) yielded an estimated half-life (T1/2) of 43 hours in the 100 mg/kg MP4 subjects. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: MP4 appears to have a favorable safety profile. Subjects in both study groups survived and did no less well than those in the control group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Kinetics of NO and O2 binding to a maleimide poly(ethylene glycol)-conjugated human haemoglobin.

The hypertensive effect observed with most cell-free haemoglobins has been proposed to result from NO scavenging. However, a newly developed PEG [poly(ethylene glycol)]-conjugated haemoglobin, MalPEG-Hb [maleimide-activated PEG-conjugated haemoglobin], is non-hypertensive with unique physicochemical properties: high O2 affinity, low co-operativity and large molecular radius. It is therefore of interest to compare the ligand-binding properties of MalPEG-Hb with unmodified cell-free HbA (stroma-free human haemoglobin). NO association rates for deoxy and oxyMalPEG-Hb and HbA were found to be identical. These results confirm the lack of correlation between hypertension and NO for a similar modified haemoglobin with high molecular radius and low p50 (pO2 at which haemoglobin is half-saturated with O2) [Rohlfs, Bruner, Chiu, Gonzales, Gonzales, Magde, Magde, Vandegriff and Winslow (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 12128-12134]. The R-state O2 association kinetic constants were also the same for the two haemoglobins. However, even though the p50 of MalPEG-Hb is approx. half of that of HbA, the biphasic O2 dissociation rates measured at relatively high pO2 (150 Torr) were 2-fold higher, giving rise to a 2-fold lower R-state equilibrium association constant for MalPEG-Hb compared with HbA. Thus the O2 affinity of MalPEG-Hb is higher only at pO2 values lower than the intersection point of the O2 equilibrium curves for MalPEG-Hb and HbA. In summary, the present studies found similar rates of NO binding to HbA and MalPEG-Hb, eliminating the possibility that the lack of vasoactivity of MalPEG-Hb is simply the result of reduced molecular reactivity with NO. Alternatively, the unique O2-binding characteristics with low p50 and co-operativity suggest that the 'R-state' conformation of MalPEG-Hb is in a more T-state configuration and restricted from conformational change.

Hemoglobins↗
PubMed2004

Comparison of PEG-modified albumin and hemoglobin in extreme hemodilution in the rat.

We have reported a new polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified, hemoglobin-based O2 carrier (MP4) with novel properties, including a large molecular excluded volume and low PO2 necessary to obtain 50% O2 (approximately 6 Torr). To evaluate the ability of MP4 to transport O2, we compared it with PEG-modified albumin (MPA) using the identical chemistry of attachment of PEG chains. The resulting solutions were well matched with respect to all physical properties except that MP4 is an O2 carrier, whereas MPA is not. An additional solution, 10% pentastarch, was matched with the PEG-modified proteins with regard to oncotic activity and viscosity but does not contain PEG. The model used to evaluate O2 transport was continuous exchange transfusion in the rat until the hematocrit was virtually unmeasurable. Objective end points included survival and the onset of anaerobic metabolism, signaled by acid-base derangement and accumulation of lactic acid. Continuous exchange transfusion of 2.5 blood volumes in rats (n=5 in each treatment group) was carried out over 60 min, such that the final hematocrit was between 0 and 5% in all animals. Animals were observed for an additional 70 min, when survivors were killed. Overall survival for the MP4 animals was 100%; no animal that received either pentastarch or MPA survived. The hematocrit at which lactic acid began to rise was approximately 14.8% in both pentastarch and MPA animals and 7.4% in the animals that received MP4. In all groups, the total hemoglobin was approximately 5 g/dl at this point. We conclude that, despite its low PO2 necessary to obtain 50% O2, MP4 effectively substitutes for red blood cell hemoglobin in its ability to oxygenate tissues in extreme hemodilution.

Albumins↗
PubMed2004

Hemodynamic response and oxygen transport in pigs resuscitated with maleimide-polyethylene glycol-modified hemoglobin (MP4).

Cell-free Hb increases systemic and pulmonary pressure and resistance and reduces cardiac output and heart rate in animals and humans, effects that have limited their clinical development as "blood substitutes." The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic response to infusion of several formulations of a new polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified human Hb [maleimide PEG Hb (MalPEGHb)] in swine, an animal known to be sensitive to Hb-induced vasoconstriction. Anesthetized animals underwent controlled hemorrhage (50% of blood volume), followed by resuscitation (70% of shed volume) with 10% pentastarch (PS), 4% MalPEG-Hb in lactated Ringer (MP4), 4% MalPEG-Hb in pentastarch (HS4), 2% MalPEG-Hb in pentastarch (HS2), or 4% stroma-free Hb in lactated Ringer solution (SFH). Compared with baseline, restoration of blood volume after resuscitation was similar and not significantly different for the PS (103%), HS2 (99%), HS4 (106%), and MP4 (87%) animals but significantly less for the SFH animals (66%) (P < 0.05). All solutions that contained MalPEG-Hb restored mean arterial and pulmonary pressure and cardiac output. Systemic vascular resistance was unchanged, and pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance were increased slightly. Both systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance increased significantly in animals that received SFH, despite less adequate blood volume restoration. Oxygen consumption was maintained in all animals that received MalPEG-Hb, but not PS. Base excess improved only with MalPEG-Hb and PS, but not SFH. Red blood cell O2 extraction was significantly increased in animals that received Hb, regardless of formulation. These data demonstrate resuscitation with MalPEG-human Hb without increasing systemic vascular resistance and support our previous observations in animals suggesting that the efficacy of low concentrations of PEG-Hb in the plasma results from reduced vasoconstriction.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock with MalPEG-albumin: comparison with MalPEG-hemoglobin.

Our aim was to determine the efficacy of polyethylene glycol-conjugated human albumin (MalPEG-Alb) in restoring circulatory volume after 1 h of hemorrhagic shock. Experiments were performed in the awake condition in the hamster skin fold preparation. Microhemodynamic parameters and tissue Po2 were assessed with intravital microscopy and the use of the phosphorescence quenching technique. One hour after shock induction by withdrawal of 50% of the blood volume, animals were resuscitated with MalPEG-Alb (n = 6). Systemic and microhemodynamic parameters following resuscitation were identical to those obtained with the same protocol using MalPEG-Hb (1). However, parameters related to microvascular oxygen distribution were significantly lower in the MalPEG-Alb group compared with the previous data from the MalPEG-Hb group in that tissue oxygen partial pressure was 5 +/- 2 mmHg (vs. 8 +/- 3 mmHg, P < 0.05), oxygen delivery was reduced to 60 +/- 27% (P < 0.05), and oxygen consumption was reduced to 69 +/- 28% (P < 0.05). Both molecules were matched in composition (4.2 g/dL) and surface chemistry. MalPEG-Alb colloid osmotic pressure was 37 mmHg (vs. 49 mmHg for MalPEG-Hb), and viscosity was 2.7 cP (vs. 2.5 cP for MalPEG-Hb). The present results show that both solutions are efficacious plasma expanders and that the hemoglobin-based solution provides improved oxygen distribution and tissue Po2 in the hamster chamber model.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

MP4, a new nonvasoactive polyethylene glycol-hemoglobin conjugate.

A new hemoglobin derivative, MP4, for use as a temporary oxygen-carrying plasma expander, has been prepared. The design of the molecule is based on novel criteria for optimized efficacy and safety, which include increased molecular radius, increased viscosity, increased oncotic pressure, and reduced p50. The chemical entity, MalPEG-Hb, is formulated at 4.2 g/dL in lactated Ringer's solution (MP4). It has a p50 of 5-6 mm Hg, oncotic pressure of 49 mm Hg and viscosity of 2.2 cPs. After 50% exchange transfusion with MP4, rats survive a 60% controlled hemorrhage in spite of total hemoglobin of 7.8 g/dL and plasma hemoglobin concentration of 1.6 g/dL. Although its binding affinity for NO is not different from that of purified hemoglobin A, it does not produce hypertension in a number of animal models and does not cause vasoconstriction in hamster microcirculation. Oxygen supply to tissue has been confirmed by direct observation in the hamster skinfold model, in which O2 release in precapillary and capillary vessels was quantified. The data demonstrate that the effectiveness of MP4 results from its ability to conserve O2 in precapillary vessels and release O2 in capillaries, thereby "targeting" O2 to hypoxic tissue. Preservation of functional capillary density and prevention of vasoconstriction further contribute to the effectiveness of this new formulation. MP4 is currently being tested in humans.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Microvascular oxygen distribution in awake hamster window chamber model during hyperoxia.

The microvascular effects and hemodynamic events following exposure to normobaric hyperoxia (because of inspiration of 100% O2) were studied in the awake hamster window chamber model and compared with normoxia. Hyperoxia increased arterial blood Po2 to 477.9 +/- 19.9 from 60.0 +/- 1.2 mmHg (P < 0.05). Heart rate and blood pressure were unaltered, whereas cardiac index was reduced from 196 +/- 13 to 144 +/- 31 ml.min-1.kg-1 (P < 0.05) in hyperoxia. Direct measurements in the microcirculation showed there was arteriolar vasoconstriction, reduction of microvascular flow (83% of control, P < 0.05), and functional capillary density (FCD, 74 +/- 16% of control), the latter change being significant (P < 0.05). Calculations of oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption based on the measured changes in microvascular blood flow velocity and diameter and estimates of oxygen saturation corrected for the Bohr effect due to the lowered pH and increased Pco2 showed that oxygen transport in the microvascular network did not change between normal and hyperoxic condition. The congruence of systemic and microvascular hemodynamics events found with hyperoxia suggests that the microvascular findings are common to most tissues in the organism, and that hyperoxia, due to vasoconstriction and the decrease of FCD, causes a maldistribution of perfusion in the microcirculation.

Animals↗