Effects of Carbon Dioxide Arterial Infusion on Hepatic Biochemistry and Histology in a Rabbit Model

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) infusion on hepatic biochemistry and histology in a rabbit model. METHODS.The study population consisted of 24 anesthetized rabbits that received hepatic infusion of either CO2 or saline (control) at doses of 10 mL/kg, comparable with those doses used in human clinical trials. Blood for clinical chemistry analysis was collected at baseline, 1 hour, 24 hours, and 168 hours (7 days) postprocedure. The rabbits were killed at 7 days postprocedure and the liver examined histologically for hepatic damage. RESULTS.There were no significant differences between the CO2 and the control groups in dorsal, ventral, and dorsal/ventral scores. Increases in alanine, an important indicator of hepatocellular membrane injury, in the CO2 group were significantly greater at 1 hour and 24 hours posttreatment (P = 0.037 and 0.013). However, the mean levels at 168 hours (7 days) were not significantly different (P = 0.22). The increases at 1 and 24 hours were small, transient, and considered clinically insignificant. CONCLUSION.No long-term hepatic effects in these animals were suggested by biochemical and histological examinations.