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Systemic microcirculation after complete high and low thoracic spinal cord section in rats.
Gabriel Guízar-Sahagún1, Lizbeth Velasco-Hernández, Angelina Martínez-Cruz
1Unit for Research on Neurological Diseases, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico. guizarg@prodigy.net.mx
Journal of Neurotrauma
|February 3, 2005
Summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly reduces microvascular blood flow (MVBF) in organs like the liver and spleen. These changes, influenced by injury level, may contribute to organ dysfunction after SCI.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes systemic and metabolic changes.
- The impact of SCI on microvascular blood flow (MVBF) in organs beyond the spinal cord is not well understood.
- Potential for ischemic organ damage exists following SCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acute SCI on MVBF in various organs.
- To determine if the level of SCI influences systemic MVBF and organ perfusion.
- To explore the relationship between MVBF, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and vascular resistance post-SCI.
Main Methods:
- Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure MVBF in anesthetized rats.
- Complete thoracic SCI (T-2 and T-9 levels) was induced.
- Measurements were taken at 1 hour and 1, 3, and 7 days post-injury.
- Mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and hematologic variables were also monitored.
Main Results:
- SCI led to significant decreases in MVBF in the liver, spleen, muscle, and fore footpad skin.
- MVBF reductions were most pronounced at 1 hour and 1 day post-SCI.
- The liver showed significant differences in MVBF between T-2 and T-9 SCI levels.
- MVBF correlated with regional peripheral vascular resistance but not directly with MAP.
Conclusions:
- Acute SCI induces organ-specific alterations in systemic MVBF.
- The level of SCI influences the extent of MVBF changes in organs.
- These SCI-induced MVBF changes may play a role in subsequent organ dysfunction.