Use of multiple fluorophores for evaluating microvascular permeability in control rats and rats with sepsis.

Capillary leak accompanying systemic inflammatory response conditions is a significant clinical problem. In the present study, we describe and verify a method for studying capillary leak that is based on the injection of proteins that differ significantly in size and have spectrally distinguishable fluorophores. Control (n=11) and post-CLP (caecal ligation and puncture; n=14) Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with tracer amounts of albumin and PEG-Alb [albumin covalently linked to methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)] labelled with fluorescein and Texas Red.

Plasma expansion by polyethylene-glycol-modified albumin.

Systemic inflammatory response conditions are associated with capillary leak and haemodynamic compromise. Fluid resuscitation to reverse the ensuing hypovolaemia is, however, complicated by the decreased endothelium reflection coefficient to albumin and other colloids. We developed PEG-Alb (albumin covalently linked to polyethylene glycol) as a potential resuscitative agent.