Comparing the effects of four different perfluorocarbons on gas exchange and lung mechanics in an animal model of acute lung injury*
Arthur Hartog, Udo Kaisers, D. Gommers, B. Lachmann

Partial liquid ventilation (PLV), a hybrid technique that superimposes gas ventilation on lungs that are filled with perfluorocarbons (PFCs), has been shown to improve oxygenation in animal models of acute lung injury (ALI). Several physico-chemical properties of perfluorocarbons are considered important in their capability to improve pulmonary function. This study was performed to allow a direct comparison of four perfluorocarbons with different physico-chemical properties during PLV with respect to gas exchange, lung mechanics, alveolar protein influx and surfactant system. Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized, tracheotomized and submitted to pressure controlled mechanical ventilation at an FiO2 of 1.0, 30 breaths/min, I/E of 1:2, a positive inspiratory pressure (PIP) of 26 cmH2O, and a PEEP of 6 cmH2O. Acute lung injury was induced by repeated lung lavages to obtain a PaO2 < 100 mmHg. After steady state, animals were randomly divided (each group n=6) to receive either APF-140, APF-215, APF-175A or FC 3280 intratracheally, in a dose of 15 ml/kg body weight. One group received no PFCs, but was ventilated with a PIP of 28 cmH2O and a PEEP of 8 cmH2O (ventilated control group). Gas exchange was determined hourly during a 4 h observation period. In the groups that received PFCs, evaporational losses were compensated for. Instillation of APF 175A resulted in a significant and sustained improvement in gas exchange, an increase in total lung capacity, and prevented an increase in alveolar protein influx. Instillation of APF 140 transiently increased oxygenation and prevented an increase in alveolar protein influx, but did not increase total lung capacity. In the other two perfluorocarbon treated groups, gas exchange did not improve and no differences were found compared with the ventilated controls. We conclude that the efficacy of perfluorocarbons to improve pulmonary function cannot be predicted based on their physico-chemical properties.

Keywords: Perfluorocarbons, artificial ventilation, lung injury, animal model, pulmonary surfactants

Applied Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology 8: 41-46, 1999

Autorenanschrift:

Prof. B. Lachmann, M.D., Ph.D.
Dept. of Anesthesiology (Room Ee 2393)
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Post Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam
The Netherlands
Phone: +31-(0)10-4087312
Fax: +31-(0)10-4089450