Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
In vivo Micro-circulation Measurement in Skeletal Muscle by Intra-vital Microscopy
Published on: May 28, 2007
[Effect of microbubble cavitation on microcirculation of rat skeletal muscle]
Wu-feng Huang1, Jian-cheng Xiu, Bi-ying Zhou
1Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. wufeng@fimmu.com
Objective:
To investigate the effect of therapeutic ultrasound-induced microbubble destruction on the microcirculation of rat skeletal muscle.
Methods:
Thirty SD rats were randomized into 5 groups (n=6), namely normal saline, microbubble, ultrasound, high-energy ultrasound microbubble and low-energy ultrasound microbubble groups. Before and after the treatments, the diameter and blood flow velocity in the microvessels in the skeletal muscle were measured, and the structural changes of the injured microvessels observed by electron microscopy.
Results:
Microbubble cavitation did not produce significant effect on the mean arterial pressure and diameter of microvessels in rat skeletal muscle (P>0.05), but the blood flow velocity was obviously lowered and blood flow volume reduced in the microvessels. The reduction of the flow velocity and blood flow volume and their subsequent recovery were associated with ultrasound energy, and in the low ultrasound energy group, the flow velocity and blood flow volume in the of venules recovered obviously after about 15 min, which, however, took approximately 1 h for the arterioles. In contrast, recovery of the flow velocity and blood flow volume in the microvessels took more than 2 h in the high ultrasound energy group. Cavitation resulted in endothelium cell rupture, widening of the endothelial interspace and entry of the red blood cells into the extravascular tissues as revealed by electron microscopy, but no rupture of the lining endothelium was observed 2 h after the treatment.
Conclusions:
Endothelium cell rupture induced by microbubble cavitation may affect the local microcirculation, and lower ultrasound energy exposure is associated with milder endothelial injury and more rapid recovery.
Insights
Therapeutic ultrasound-induced microbubble destruction affects skeletal muscle microcirculation by lowering blood flow velocity. Lower ultrasound energy results in milder endothelial injury and faster recovery of microvascular function.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microcirculation Research
Context:
- Therapeutic ultrasound is used in various medical applications.
- Microbubbles are often employed as contrast agents or to enhance ultrasound effects.
- Understanding the impact on microcirculation is crucial for safety and efficacy.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effects of ultrasound-induced microbubble destruction on rat skeletal muscle microcirculation.
- To assess the relationship between ultrasound energy levels and microcirculatory changes.
- To evaluate the recovery of microvascular function post-treatment.
Summary:
- Microbubble cavitation with ultrasound lowered microvessel blood flow velocity and volume in rat skeletal muscle.
- Both low and high ultrasound energy treatments caused endothelial cell injury, including widening of interspaces and red blood cell extravasation.
- Recovery of blood flow was energy-dependent, with low-energy ultrasound showing faster recovery (15 min to 1 hour) compared to high-energy ultrasound (over 2 hours).
Impact:
- Microbubble cavitation can induce endothelial cell damage, affecting local microcirculation.
- Lower ultrasound energy levels are associated with less severe endothelial injury.
- Findings suggest that optimizing ultrasound energy is critical for minimizing adverse effects and promoting faster recovery in microvascular treatments.
