Cabrales P, Tsai AG, Intaglietta M. Isovolemic exchange transfusion with increasing concentrations of low oxygen affinity hemoglobin solution limits oxygen delivery due to vasoconstriction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 295: H2212-H2218, 2008. First published October 3, 2008 doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00751.2008.-O 2-carrying fluids based on hemoglobin (Hb) are in various stages of clinical trials to determine their suitability as O 2-carrying plasma expanders. Polymerized Hb solutions are characterized by their vasoactivity, low O 2 affinity, oncotic effect, prolonged shelf life, and stability. Physiological responses to facilitated O 2 transport after exchange transfusion with polymerized bovine Hb (PBH) were studied in the hamster window chamber model during acute moderate anemia to determine how PBH affects microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation. The anemic state [29% hematocrit (Hct)] was induced by hemodilution with a plasma expander (70 kDa dextran). After hemodilution, animals were randomly assigned to different exchange transfusion groups. Study groups were based on the concentration of PBH used, namely: PBH at 13 g Hb/dl [PBH13], PBH diluted to 8 (PBH8) or 4 (PBH4) g Hb/dl in albumin solution at matching colloidal osmotic pressure (COP), and no PBH (only albumin solution) at matching COP (PBH0). Measurement of systemic parameters, microvascular hemodynamics, capillary perfusion, and intravascular and tissue O 2 levels was performed at 18% Hct. Restitution of O2-carrying capacity with PBH13 increased arterial pressure and triggered vasoconstriction, low perfusion, and high peripheral resistance. PBH4 and PBH0 exhibited lower arterial pressures compared with PBH13. Exchange transfused animals with PBH8 and PBH4 better maintained perfusion and functional capillary density than PBH13. Blood gas parameters and acid-base balance were recovered proportional to microvascular perfusion. Arterial O 2 tensions were improved with PBH4 and PBH8 by preventing O 2 precapillary release and increasing O2 reserve. Further studies to establish PBH optimal dosage, efficacy, safety, and its effect on outcome are indicated before Hb-based O 2-carrying blood substitutes are implemented in routine practice. microcirculation; red blood cells; hemodilution; functional capillary density; hemoglobin oxygen affinity; tissue oxygen.BLOOD SUBSTITUTES ARE in continued development, driven in part by the public perception that the blood supply is not safe and looming shortages (18). However, blood safety, related to the transmission of viral diseases, is no longer a major concern in the United States, and blood shortages have not materialized due to continued development of surgical techniques that reduce blood losses and lower transfusion triggers (18). Despite these advances, the development of effective blood substitutes that maintain blood volume (BV) and deliver O 2 remains a priority for emergency combat care, as well as for severe blood losses associated with trauma. Blood is a vital public health resource that must be read...