Pluronic F127: application in arterial embolization.
OBJECTIVE
Pluronic is a substance that is widely used in medical and pharmaceutical fields. In particular, 20% Pluronic F127 solution is a unique substance that is liquid at less than 15 degrees C and gelatinous at 25 to 60 degrees C. In this study, the authors took advantage of the gelation property of Pluronic F127 at human body temperature to simulate embolization and dissolution of the embolism in the renal artery and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) using a rabbit model.


METHODS
Four female Japanese rabbits (weight, 2.5-3 kg each) were used. The renal artery was fitted with a 4-F cobra-type catheter and embolized with a 20% Pluronic F127 solution at a temperature of 20 degrees C. The embolic effect was evaluated by angiography immediately after the initial injection and every 15 minutes for 2.5 hours after embolization. After 24 hours, pathologic changes of the renal parenchyma were also evaluated. The embolic effect for SMA and ischemic changes of the intestine were evaluated in the same manner.


RESULTS
Angiographic findings showed that Pluronic F127 caused embolization immediately after injection and dissolved in the renal artery and the SMA after 90 to 120 minutes. The pathologic findings showed no ischemic change in the renal parenchyma. Necrosis was not found in the intestine, but focal hemorrhagic changes were extensively present when the gel had dissolved. This suggested that Pluronic F127 dissolved before severe tissue damage could occur.


CONCLUSIONS
Pluronic F127 can potentially be used as a temporary embolic material.
Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta-Tsukinowa, Otsu, Japan.
Shinichi
S
Ohta
Norihisa
N
Nitta
Masashi
M
Takahashi
Akinaga
A
Sonoda
Toyohiko
T
Tanaka
Michio
M
Yamasaki
Akira
A
Furukawa
Ryutaro
R
Takazakura
Kiyoshi
K
Murata
Tsutomu
T
Sakamoto
Toshihiro
T
Kushibiki
Yasuhiko
Y
Tabata
D000792:Angiography; D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature; D004617:Embolism / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005782:Gels; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior; D020442:Poloxamer / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011817:Rabbits; D012077:Renal Artery
D005782:Gels; D020442:Poloxamer