AIM: Microcirculatory dysfunction and free oxygen radicals are important factors in the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis. Additional oxygen delivery might enhance lipid peroxidation but may also improve pancreatic microcirculation. This study assesses the effect of free cellular bovine hemoglobin on the formation of oxygen radicals and microcirculation in a rodent model of severe acute pancreatitis.METHODS: Fifteen minutes after induction of acute pancreatitis Wistar rats received either 0.8 mL bovine hemoglobin (HBOC-200), hydroxyethyl starch (HES)or 2.4 mL of normal saline to ensure normovolemic substitution. After 6 h of examination the pancreas was excised and rapidly processed for indirect measurement of lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA)and reduced glutathione (GSH) in pancreatic tissue.RESULTS: The single application of HBOC-200 improved pancreatic microcirculation and reduced histopathological tissue damage significantly. Tissue concentration of MDA did not differ between the groups. Also no differences in GSH levels were detected.CONCLUSION: Though the single application of HBOC-200 and HES improve pancreatic microcirculation,no differences in lipid peroxidation products were detected. The beneficial effect of additional oxygen supply (HBOC-200) does not lead to enhanced lipid peroxidation.