[Analysis of intermittent blood flow in experimental tumor using a transparent chamber]

Using a transparent chamber under a microscopic recording system equipped with a CCD camera, we measured real-time fluctuations of microvessel blood flow in an experimental murine tumor. Seven microvessels of the tumor showed 3-4 fluctuations in blood flow (intermittent blood flow) during the observation period (2 hours). Within the 120 min. monitoring period, we obtained approximately a maximum 52.5% of decreased blood flow. The duration of change in blood flow ranged from 15-45 min. Similar temporal fluctuations were seen in experimental animal tumors. Our data clearly demonstrated that fluctuations in blood flow (intermittent blood flow) in tumors are a common feature.