[Perfluorochemical-emulsion (fluorocarbon-43) as blood gas carrier--fate of the substance after intravenous injection in rat (author's transl)].

The present paper concerns light and electron microscopic studies on cellular uptake and deposition of the oxygen and carbondioxide carrying substance "Fluorocarbon-43" after intravenous injection in rats. Phagocytosis of "Fluorocarbon-43" by blood monocytes, histiocytes, endothelial macrophages (i.e.v. Kupffersche cells) and hepatocytes as well, could be demonstrated. In our experiments cellular storage of the substance was detectable even six month after injection. In the lumina and walls of alveoli migrating macrophages with storage vacuoles were found indicating pulmonary excretion of the substance. Maximum storage of "Fluorocarbon-43" caused cellular alterations and may induce interstitial fibrosis. The question whether long term incorporation of "Fluorocarbon-43" causes irreversible alteration of organs is still a matter of conjecture because of the prolonged half-live value of storage of this substance.