The homologous blood syndrome: IV. Effects of autologous and homologous plasma, saline and heartworm-free homologous blood

Abstract

1. 1. The homologous blood syndrome occurs in the absence of heartworms, having been demonstrated in 11 of 15 dogs undergoing constant volume exchange of homologous blood (100 ml./kg.) devoid of D. immitis microfilariae and adult worms. 2. 2. Neither buffering nor high carbon dioxide tension prevented the development of severe hypotension and metabolic acidosis during exchange of saline (100 ml./kg.) in ten experiments. 3. 3. Constant volume exchange (100 ml./kg.) of stored dialyzed autologous plasma caused no severe hypotension, acidosis, nor demonstrable allergic reactions. Homologous plasma resulted in an unpredictable occurrence of severe hypotension and intense urticaria during the exchange infusions. 4. 4. The data suggest that continuing studies with autologous plasma may provide insight into the development of a better perfusate for extracorporeal circulation. The significance of the hypotensive and allergic reactions with homologous plasma requires further investigation.