Imaging of oxygen saturation and distribution of erythrocytes in microvessels.

OBJECTIVE

To construct images of oxygen saturation and the distribution of erythrocytes in a network of microvessels.

METHODS

The image of a small group of microvessels under an inverted microscope was incorporated into an image processor through a video camera and was digitized. Based on the information obtained through six visible interference filters of different wavelengths, oxygen saturation and the amount of erythrocytes in microvessels were calculated with a computer. The system was applied to a microvascular bed of isolated rabbit mesentery perfused with a suspension of human erythrocytes.

RESULTS

In a steady flow, with lowering of tissue oxygen tension by superfusion with nitrogen-bubbled isotonic saline containing 20 mmol/L sodium dithionite, the decrease of oxygen saturation of erythrocytes from arterioles to venules was imaged. Simultaneously, the distribution of erythrocytes in the microvessels was imaged and the marginal cell-free layer was profiled under high magnification. No significant alteration of the erythrocyte distribution on the deoxygenation of erythrocytes was observed. The exposure of erythrocytes to acidic pH and the decrease of the flow velocity of erythrocytes increased the release of oxygen from the erythrocytes in microvessels.

CONCLUSIONS

The present method will be useful for the comprehensive analysis of oxygen transfer in the microvascular network, on the basis of both changes of the oxygen saturation and the flow behavior of erythrocytes.