[Reaction of the brain capillaries to hypoxia in cats]

Using calcium-adenosinetriphosphate histoangiological method of Chilingarian, the morpho-functional characteristics of capillary section of microcirculatory bed were studied in cat's brain and dura mater following experimental hypoxia. Analysis of morphometric data has shown that short-term hypoxia resulted in dilation of brain capillary lumen by 15% in comparison with that in intact animals. Average diameter of dura mater capillaries was found to vary within the limits of control values. Dilation of brain capillaries should be considered as a compensatory-adaptational change aimed at maintenance of metabolic regulation of cerebral circulation.