C. Lundgren, MD, PhD, (Principal Investigator), I. Tyssebotn, MD, PhD, (Coinvestigator), G. Bergoe, PhD (Coinvestigator):
Intrava
This project addresses the possibility of employing intravascular microbubbles, derived from a fluorocarbon emulsion, for transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the circulation as well as for transport of inert gases, such as nitrogen. Thus the preparation serves as an ethrytrocyte replacement and can potentially also be used for treatment and prevention of decompression sickness.
The preparation consists of a 1-3 % emulsion of dodecafluoropentane DDFP in a water phase. The boiling point of DDFP is 29°C and when the emulsion is injected intravenously and warmed to body temperature the emulsion particles evolve into microbubbles that have a diameter smaller than the capillaries. The bubbles pick up and deliver gases according to simple laws of diffusion. So far we have demonstrated in erythrocyte free rats and pigs that the preparation can provide enough oxygen transport to sustain normal physiological functions. The results indicate that 1.0 ml (sic) of DDFP in emulsion-form can provide for the oxygen needs of a resting adult person. Moreover, injection of the preparation into the circulating blood of intact pigs substantially increased the rate of nitrogen elimination during oxygen breathing. Currently a major research project is underway with support from the US Army Combat Casualty Care program to explore the use of the preparation for treatment of hemorrhagic shock. Patents owned by Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Bothell, Washington and the University at Buffalo protect the preparation and methods unique to this research project.