Protective effects of low dose stabilized haemoglobin solution in experimental global ischaemia-reperfusion injury

Methods Male Wistar rats (weight 306 ± 15g) underwent arterial and central venous cannulation, tracheostomy, bladder catheterization and placement of a liver tissue pO2 sensor (Oxford Optronix, Oxford, UK). Controlled haemorrhage (45% of estimated blood volume) was induced over 15 minutes and sustained shock (MAP target 40-45 mmHg) was maintained for an additional 75 minutes. After crystalloid resuscitation, animals were randomized to receive a bolus injection of either Ringer’s lactate (control) or EXP2 at 200, 400 or 900 mg/kg (New A Innovation Limited, Hong Kong). 700 mg/kg is approximately equivalent to a one-unit blood transfusion. Continuous i.v. fluid administration (10 mg/kg/hr) was then infused for the following 4 hours. Echocardiography, blood gas analysis, blood pressure and liver tissue pO2 were measured preand postinsult, and then at hourly intervals. Two-way ANOVA with post-hoc t testing was used to detect statistically significant differences.