The isolated white rabbit kidney was perfused with electrolytes solution and fluorocarbon (FC) emulsion for 9 hours at room temperature. As control the isolated kidney was left in saline for 9 hours at room temperature. The cell viability of the kidney and analysis of the perf usates were studied biochemically with following results.
1. The oxygen consumption of the peripheral tissue was almost normal in FC group, while it was depressed in electrolytes group.
2. pH and base excess of the perf usate was within normal limits in FC group, while they were not in electrolytes group.
3. The potassium concentration and LDH activity of the perfusate seemed to reflect the lesser damage in FC group than in electrolytes group.
4. The preserved kidney with FC-emulsion showed excellent retention of mitochondrial function, while it was depressed in electrolytes and saline groups, which was due to hypoxia.
5. The activities of the glycolytic and gluconeogenetic key enzymes remained at high levels in the FC emulsion group. In contrast, there was a definite fall in those enzymic activates in the electrolytes and saline groups, which is probably the result of fatigue of the enzymes associated with reduced mitochondrial function due to hypoxia.
6. The reabsoption and production of the urine was kept in normal range on account of well preserved renal function by FC emulsion.
In conclusion, therefore, the fluorocarbon used in this experiment is capable of transporting oxygen enough to maintaine the viability of the renal cells and renal function.
