Fluorocarbon perfusion medium applied to the isolated rat brain.

In order to overcome the disadvantages of erythrocytes and albumin, a totally synthetic medium for the perfusion of the isolated rat brain was developed. the perfusion medium was based upon Krebs-Henseleit solution and contained in addition a fluorocarbon (FC 43) for oxygen transport and a polyol (Pluronic F 68) to furnish emulsifying and oncotic properties. The physico-chemical properties of this fluorocarbon perfusion medium allowed perfusion of an isolated rat brain to continue for more than 7 hr, while the medium could be stored as a stock emulsion for several months. The appropriate function of the isolated perfused rat brain is demonstrated by the EEG and by various substrates of the energy metabolism. The suitability of the fluorocarbon medium for perfusion of an isolated rat brain preparation is discussed.