Visualization of fluorescent erythrocytes in the microcirculation.

Erythrocytes loaded internally with FITC-BSA can be readily visualized in the microcirculation by using a television camera and a fluorescence microscope. Flow properties of the erythrocytes and their adherence to the vascular endothelium or erythrophagocytic cells can be observed. This procedure should also be useful to delineate the microcirculation under circumstances where infused free FITC-BSA can escape into the interstitial tissue.