Biophysics / Internet Invited Lecture

CHANGES IN CAPILLARY FILLING DO NOT INFLUENCE INSPIRATORY-INDUCED VASOCONSTRICTIVE EPISODES

Robert Rauh, Elke Ochsmann, Manfred Kessler, Michael Mueck-Weymann, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Erlangen, Germany

Read on-line Discussion

ABSTRACT

Deep inspiration leads to sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction at the fingertip. This so-called inspiratory gasp response (IGR) is usually assessed by laser Doppler fluxmetry (LDF) and can give interesting information on the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. In this study we wanted to see if simple maneuvers which affect microcirculation have an influence on the IGR. For this we detected IGR with LDF in rest, after elevation of the arm to lower capillary filling, after venous congestion to increase capillary filling, and after heating up in warm water to induce vasodilation. Capillary filling was monitored with the Erlangen Microlightguide Spectrophotometer (EMPHO) by determination of the relative hemoglobin concentration. We found that IGR was not affected by microcirculatory starting conditions. Therefore, we conclude that diagnostic results of the IGR are not influenced by different capillary filling levels.

Representing Author:

Robert Rauh, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, (Erlangen, Germany)

This page was accessed 377 times.

Print Add to your plan

ENTER THE SITE:

Login:
Password:

Forgot your password?

DEDICATION:

DEDICATION:

SFM 2006 is dedicated to the memory of Professor Mark L. Katz on the 100 anniversary of his birth and the 60th anniversary of the Chair of Optics and Biomedical Physics founded by him in 1946 in Saratov State University.