Abstract 113: Dodecafluoropentane Emulsion Delays and Reduces MRI Markers of Infarction in a Rat Stroke Model

Abstract

Introduction: Dodecafluoropentane emulsion (DDFPe), a perfluorocarbon suspension, transports oxygen to ischemic regions of the brain, making it an ideal neuroprotectant for patients with acute stroke. Although DDFPe has been shown through analysis of excised tissue to reduce infarct volume, relatively little is known about the mechanism of DDFPe in vivo. We assess the effect of intravenous (IV) DDFPe on MRI findings in stroke evolution in the early hours after vascular occlusion in a rat stroke model. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that DDFPe will delay the development of MRI markers of acute ischemic stroke and/or reduce infarct volume compared to controls. Methods: With IACUC approval rats were assigned to control (n=4) and treatment (n=10) groups. All rats underwent permanent, unilateral surgical occlusion of the middle cerebral and common carotid arteries. The treatment group received 1 IV dose of 2% w/v DDFPe at 0.6 mL/kg at 1 hour post-occlusion while the control group received none. Diffusion Weighted (DWI) and Inversion Recovery (IR) MRI sequences were obtained over 4 hours after occlusion. Scans were reviewed and scored by consensus of two board certified and blinded radiologists, and the number of abnormal MRI slices per sequence was tallied for each group and time point. Student’s T-test was applied. Results: The mean ±SE numbers of abnormal slices were decreased in the DDFPe group vs. control over total time points for IR at 5.43 ±0.40 vs. 7.38 SE ±0.58 (P=0.01) and DWI at 9.14 ±1.11 vs. 13.88 ±1.79 (P=0.03). Development of abnormal DWI and IR signal was delayed by DDFPe (see Graph) with significance for IR at 2 hours at 5.5 ±0.97 vs. 8.25 ±0.63 (P=0.04) and 3 hours at 5.14 ±0.83 vs. 7.75 ±0.48 (P=0.02). Conclusions: DDFPe delays and reduces MRI markers of acute ischemic stroke in the early hours following vascular occlusion in a rat stroke model. Further study is warranted.