Reevaluation of the needle method for measuring interstitial fluid pressure

Inserting a needle into subcutaneous spaces should allow a subatmospheric pressure to be measured if interstitial fluid pressure is truly negative as measured by the capsule and wick techniques. Previous needle measurements of interstitial fluid pressure have produced a positive value, but in most instances fluid has been injected into the tissues prior to recording of pressure. Therefore, we measured subcutaneous needle pressure in anesthetized dogs without fluid injection into the tissues. Approximately 30 min are required for an equilibrium pressure after insertion of the needle. The mean 30-min pressure was 4.6 +/- 0.5 (SE) mmHg (n equals 41). With observable edema, interstitial fluid pressures as measured with the needle were always positive. However, the needle method for continuous recording of pressure lacks rapid sensitivity to changes in tissue fluid pressures. In order to develop a needle method that would follow changes in interstitial fluid pressure, 0.5-1 mul of saline was injected into or withdrawn from the tissue. With this method, pressure plateaued in 10-20 min. This plateau pressure increased with tissue hydration and decreased with dehydration.