Funk R H, Tischendorf R, Bratengeier H
Anatomisches Institut der TU Dresden, Germany.
Microvasc Res. 1995 Jul;50(1):45-55. doi: 10.1006/mvre.1995.1037.
The functional morphology of the synovial vasculature in the rabbit knee joint was investigated using our technique of microendoscopy, which involves an in vivo microscopy via a 1.9-mm endoscope. In the vessels of the fibrous tissue of the joint capsule it was found that after intraarticular administration of epinephrine the blood flow and the vascular diameters decrease for 3-5 min. In the areolar part of the synovial tissue, an external elevation of the intraarticular pressure causes collapse of the capillaries at 10-15 mm Hg, whereas the collapse pressure of the arterioles is 30-40 mm Hg. Intraarticular application of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) leads to a marked vasoconstriction including the arteriovenous anastomoses, whereas after epinephrine the arteriovenous anastomoses remain patent or dilate during the arteriolar constriction phase. It is concluded that the technique of microendoscopy allows a valuable in vivo investigation of the synovial microvasculature.
