Abstract
We developed an artificial blood that has potent hemostatic and oxygen carrying effects, and requires neither blood typing nor crossmatch testing. Our artificial blood consisting of platelet substitutes [H12- (ADP) -liposomes] and red blood cell substitutes [hemoglobin vesicles, a cellular-type hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier] can be stored for a long period at room temperature without shaking. H12- (ADP) -liposomes bear synthetic HHLGGAKQAGDV (H12) peptides corresponding to the carboxyl terminal of the fibrinogen γ-chain on their surface and encapsulate the physiological platelet agonist adenosine diphosphate (ADP). They can accumulate at bleeding sites and promote platelet thrombi even under thrombocytopenic coagulopathy. In acute thrombocytopenic rabbits with noncompressible penetrating liver injury, combination therapy with intravenous infusions of H12- (ADP) -liposomes followed by hemoglobin vesicles enabled the rescue from severe massive hemorrhage with coagulopathy due to the potent hemostatic and oxygen carrying effects. Our artificial blood may be useful for damage control resuscitation of trauma-induced massive hemorrhage, especially pre-hospital resuscitation.
