Emulsified perfluorochemicals for oxygen-transport to tissues: effects on lymphoid system and immunological competence

Retention of perfluorochemicals in rat liver and spleen

The uptake and retention of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) into rat liver and spleen have been measured for up to 28 d following injection of either the commercial PFC emulsion, Fluosol, or a novel perfluorodecalin (FDC)-based emulsion. Both quantitative and qualitative differences in the retention of individual PFCs were observed, depending on composition of emulsion administered. Nevertheless, uptake of PFCs into the spleen was consistently greater than into the liver, irrespective of formulation injected.

Lymphoid tissue responses to concentrated perfluorochemical emulsions in rats

The effects of injecting perfluorochemical (PFC) emulsions of varying concentrations on lymphoid tissues have been studied in rats. Tissue weights were increased in proportion with quantity of PFC injected, with spleen responses consistently greater than those of the liver. PFC droplets recovered from tissues had mean diameters in the 1-10 microns range, with those from the spleen being larger than from the liver. Recovered droplet diameters were considerably greater than freshly-prepared emulsion mean particle sizes (0.20-0.25 microns). This suggests that coalescence of emulsion droplets following accumulation in tissues is a pre-requisite to the eventual excretion of PFC vapour through the lungs.