Effects of carbon dioxide arterial infusion on hepatic biochemistry and histology in a rabbit model.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) infusion on hepatic biochemistry and histology in a rabbit model.


METHODS
The study population consisted of 24 anesthetized rabbits that received hepatic infusion of either CO2 or saline (control) at doses of 10 mL/kg, comparable with those doses used in human clinical trials. Blood for clinical chemistry analysis was collected at baseline, 1 hour, 24 hours, and 168 hours (7 days) postprocedure. The rabbits were killed at 7 days postprocedure and the liver examined histologically for hepatic damage.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the CO2 and the control groups in dorsal, ventral, and dorsal/ventral scores. Increases in alanine, an important indicator of hepatocellular membrane injury, in the CO2 group were significantly greater at 1 hour and 24 hours posttreatment (P = 0.037 and 0.013). However, the mean levels at 168 hours (7 days) were not significantly different (P = 0.22). The increases at 1 and 24 hours were small, transient, and considered clinically insignificant.


CONCLUSIONS
No long-term hepatic effects in these animals were suggested by biochemical and histological examinations.
Mladinich
C R
CR
Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0374, USA.
Hawkins
I F
IF
Heaton-Jones
T G
TG
Shiroma
J T
JT
Weingarten
K
K
Kiehl
A
A
Mays
M B
MB
Kublis
P
P
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D005260:Female; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media; D002245:Carbon Dioxide