Open AccessEffects of experimental lower‐limb ischaemia–reperfusion injury on the mesenteric microcirculation
Author(s) -
Wehrens X. H. T.,
Rouwet E. V.,
oude Egbrink M. G. A.,
Slaaf D. W.,
Ramsay G.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
british journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.202
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1365-2168
pISSN - 0007-1323
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2168.2002.01973.x
Subject(s) - medicine , splanchnic , microcirculation , blood flow , ischemia , perfusion , hindlimb , reperfusion injury , intravital microscopy , red blood cell , cardiology , anatomy , anesthesia
Background: Ischaemia–reperfusion (I‐R) of the leg is associated with functional and structural changes in the intestine. This study assessed whether acute hind‐limb I‐R in rats induced a reduction in perfusion and/or signs of an inflammatory response in the intestine. Methods: Rats were subjected to 2 h of unilateral hind‐limb ischaemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion (I‐R group, n = 9) or to a sham procedure (control group, n = 9). Mesenteric microvascular diameters, red blood cell velocity, blood flow and leucocyte–vessel wall interactions during reperfusion were measured using intravital microscopy. Results: Blood pressure and heart rate decreased from 30 min of reperfusion onwards in the I‐R group compared with controls. From 15 min after the start of reperfusion, mesenteric arteriolar and venular red blood cell velocity and blood flow decreased by 40–50 per cent. Microvascular diameters and leucocyte–vessel wall interactions did not change. Conclusion: Restoration of blood flow to an acutely ischaemic hind limb led to a significant decline in the splanchnic microcirculatory blood flow. There were, however, no signs of an early inflammatory response in the gut. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd