Alterations of skin microcirculatory rhythmic oscillations in different positions of the lower extremity

Microcirculatory vasomotion is considered to be an important mechanism promoting and facilitating the transfer of blood cells through skin capillaries. Since skin vulnerability of the leg is closely associated with gravitational factors and skin micro-circulation, we investigated by a laser Doppler apparatus influence of postural changes on skin blood flow oscillations in lower limbs of healthy volunteers. Our data show a marked decrease in microcirculatory oscillation amplitudes at a frequency 7.6 (+/- 0.6) min-1 after lowering the leg. This could be reversed by the application of compressive bandage. Our study points toward a potentially important mechanism of microcirculatory impairment during orthostasis.