Normalization of hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier-201 induced vasoconstriction: targeting nitric oxide and endothelin

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC)-201 is a cell- and endotoxin-free, glutaraldehyde-polymerized hemoglobin solution. It's use as a blood replacing agent is limited by significant pressor responses that occur upon its administration. In the present study, we show that these pressor responses in the systemic and pulmonary vasculature ca b negated by simultaneous administration of an endothelin receptor antagonist.