The effects of hyperoxic and hypercarbic gases on tumour blood flow
1999
Effects of Gases on Tumor Blood Flow
Sample size: 12
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Dunn T J, Braun R D, Rhemus W E, Rosner G L, Secomb T W, Tozer G M, Chaplin D J, Dewhirst M W
Primary Institution: Duke University Medical Center
Hypothesis
CO2 content might cause vasoconstriction and affect tumor blood flow.
Conclusion
Breathing carbogen may reduce blood flow in tumors, suggesting it could be counterproductive as a radiosensitizer in some cases.
Supporting Evidence
- Animals breathing 1% CO2 had increased mean arterial pressure but no change in heart rate.
- Rats breathing 5% CO2 experienced a sustained 25% decrease in tumor blood flow.
- Animals exposed to 10% CO2 had a 30-40% transient decrease in tumor blood flow.
Takeaway
When rats breathed in certain gas mixtures, their tumor blood flow changed, showing that the type of gas can affect how well tumors get blood.
Methodology
Fischer 344 rats with R3230Ac tumors breathed different mixtures of CO2 and O2, and their tumor arteriolar diameter and blood flow were measured.
Participant Demographics
Fischer 344 rats with R3230Ac tumors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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