The Nature of Dynamic Arteriolar Vasoreactivity: A Mini-Review and A classification Scheme
Abstract
Changes in microvascular caliber are frequently observed both during normal, resting physiological conditions, as well as during physiologic stresses such as hemorrhage and fluid volume resuscitation. Many of the dynamic changes have been described with the singular term vasomotion. However, many types of frequently observed vasomotive behavior are a typical of either microvascular inactivity or vasomotion. This review describes a simple classification scheme for four types of arteriolar behavior observed routinely in our laboratory in the microvasculature of skeletal muscle of the anesthetized rabbit. These patterns include inactivity (static diameter of the open vessel which does not dynamically affect flow), vasoactivity (random, non-rhythmic changes in vessel diameter, which effect step-wise or non-rhythmic increases or decreases in flow) , vasomotion (regular, rhythmic, repetitive constriction and dilation of arterioles with either a fast or slow period) and vessel closure (closure occludes flow entirely, and may divert flow to other adjoining microvascular beds). Although these patterns may not represent a functional continuum, each pattern of behavior is distinct in its effect on blood flow. Therefore, our study proposes a simple classification scheme, which will aid in understanding the dynamic response of the microvasculature to moderate or severe physiologic stress as well as the local, dynamic regulation of microcirculatory flow during pathophysiologic states.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 08, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA266499
Entities
People
- J. A. Schmidt
- K. E. Arfors
- Marcos Intaglietta
- Per Borgström
- Stephen P. Bruttig
Organizations
- Letterman Army Hospital