Preparation and in vivo evaluation of two bovine hemoglobin-based plasma expanders.

A hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carrier was successfully transfused into rats. An ultrapure lipid-free bovine Hb was prepared by hypotonic dialysis and ultrafiltration. The Hb was polymerized with glutaraldehyde and the P50 was 24.3 mm Hg. On the basis of immunological analysis, immuno-dot blot, the Hb preparations were not antigenic. A second transfusion produced no adverse immunological side effects. A right shift in P50 was obtained by further treatment of polymerized Hb with inositol hexaphosphate; however, this Hb preparation was unsuitable for transfusion as all animals died within a few minutes. A 30% exchange transfusion in rats with the polymerized bovine Hb resulted in a 100% survival of all animals. P50 values of treated animals were reduced by about 2 mm Hg for 14 days. The Hb product circulated for 14 days as determined by 51Cr labeling. Ultrapure bovine Hb has the potential to circulate and carry oxygen in rats and causes no immunological side effects.