Abstract
~T PRESENT, NO RBC substitute can function .n. as efficiently as the natural red blood cell in the delivery of oxygen to tissues. Nevertheless, there are two promising RBC substitutes available: modified hemoglobin and fluorocarbons. This re view covers the present status of modified hemo globin as an oxygen-carrying blood substitute. Why is it necessary to modify hemoglobin? He moglobin is the natural oxygen carrier. Unfortu nately, there are a number of problems with cell free hemoglobin. Amberson shows that red cell hemolysates cause nephrotoxicity. 1 Rabiner et al show that this nephrotoxicity was due to the pres ence of the RBC stroma in the hemoglobin solution. 2 Removal of the red cell stroma to form stroma-free hemoglobin results in less nephrotox icity. However, as described below, there are other major problems with the in vivo use of stroma-free hemoglobin.3-5 1. Hemoglobin in the RBC exists as a tetramer.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
