Abstract
Purpose: A microangiographic technique is described, which allows visualization of small blood vessels with a diameter of ∼20 μm and quantification of fasciocutaneous blood vessels by means of digital computer analysis in very small laboratory animals. Method: The left carotid artery of 45 nu/nu mice was cannulated (26 gauge) and a mixture of gelatine, barium sulfate and green ink was injected according to standardized protocol. Fasciocutaneous blood vessels were visualized by digital mammography and analyzed for vessel length and vessel surface area as standardized units (pixel) by computer program. Results: With the described microangiography method fasciocutaneous blood vessels can be clearly visualized. Regions of interest (ROIs) can be defined and the containing vascular network quantified. Identical ROIs showed a high reproducibility for measured unit (pixel) < 6.5 ± 2.4%. By the use of digital image, processing the quantification of vessels was reliable, reproducible and fast. Conclusion: Combining microsurgical techniques, pharmacological knowledge and modern computer imaging analysis systems, we were able to visualize and quantify blood vessels with a diameter of ∼20 μm even in small laboratory animals.
| Translated title of the contribution | A microangiography technique to quantify fasciocutaneous blood vessels in small laboratory animals |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Pages (from-to) | 403-407 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Handchirurgie Mikrochirurgie Plastische Chirurgie |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 2005 |
| Externally published | Yes |