Haemodilution with dextran 40 and hydroxyethyl starch and its effect on cerebral microcirculation

Summary The effect of haemodilution with Ringer's solution, hydroxyethyl starch (HAES) 200/0.5 10% and dextran 40 on cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured in ten cats by means of the hydrogen clearance technique. As expected from theoretical considerations the haemodilution effect was short and not significant with Ringer's solution, but was 25% with HAES and 35% with dextrane 40. The corresponding rise in CBF was significant in both the latter but not with Ringer's solution. CBF was similarly highly correlated with diminution of haematocrit (Hct). The different effects of the substances on CBF could all be explained by their different effects on the Hct. Data analysis, together with recent literature, suggests that the dominating factor determining CBF was the O₂-transport capacity, which in these experiments was in close relation to Hct. The results support the assumption that the increase of CBF by haemodilution is caused by a regulatory mechanism and not by a change of rheological parameters.