Transdermal iontophoresis as an in-vivo technique for studying microvascular physiology

Assessment of microvascular function is of major importance in understanding the physiology of the vasculature and in investigating the vascular effects of pathological conditions. Transdermal iontophoresis can be used to non-invasively introduce vasoactive drugs into the skin. The response of the local cutaneous microvasculature to these drugs can be measured by methods such as laser Doppler flowmetry. Although the technique has been used for over two decades, there are still important methodological issues to be resolved. This review describes the technique of iontophoresis as well as its development during recent years, while focusing on how iontophoresis can be used as an in-vivo model for studying physiologic mechanisms and on the analysis and interpretation of dose-response data.