Effects of exchange transfusion with perfluorochemical emulsions on hepatic oxygen supply and blood flow in the rat.

Exchange-transfusion to hematocrit 20 with isotonic perfluorochemical (PFC) emulsions containing 3% hydroxyethylstarch (HES) in rats breathing 100% oxygen produced significant reductions of hepatic PO2 and blood flow in comparison to rats hemodiluted with isotonic 3% or 6% HES solution. The results indicate that PFC and/or emulsifiers were associated with adverse effects on liver blood supply.