Suppressive effect of FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion on enhanced oxidative haemolysis in the early postburn phase

The effect of FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion on resistance of red blood cells to oxidative haemolysis and lipid peroxidation was evaluated in rats (full skin thickness burns over 15–20 per cent of total body surface area). The content of erythrocyte malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), α-tocopherol, glutathione (reduced and oxidized forms) and oxidative haemolysis were measured at 24 h after burn injury. Four groups were employed: (1) non-burned non-treated, (2) non-burned but treated with FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion (5 ml/kg bodymass i.v.), (3) burned non-treated, (4) burned but treated with FC-43 emulsion (5 ml/kg bodymass i.v.). The non-burned groups showed no significant differences in oxidative haemolysis, MDA levels or α-tocopherol and glutathione content. In the burned non-treated group the oxidative haemolysis elevated by 190 per cent (P < 0.001), MDA content increased by 43 per cent (P < 0.05), whereas the concentration of α-tocopherol and reduced glutathione (GSH) decreased significantly by 36 per cent and 18 per cent, respectively. The results showed reduction in the postburn MDA content by 30 per cent (P < 0.02) and oxidative haemolysis by 44 per cent (P < 0.001) after treatment with FC-43 emulsion. FC-43 emulsion did not change significantly the levels of α-tocopherol and GSH in erythrocytes after thermal injury. It is concluded that FC-43 perfluorocarbon emulsion administration suppresses early postburn lipid peroxidation and increases the resistance of red blood cells to oxidative haemolysis.