Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Microiontophoresis and Micromanipulation for Intravital Fluorescence Imaging of the Microcirculation
Published on: June 10, 2011
Influence of receptor antagonists, local anesthetics, and denervation on microcirculation
Objective:
Impaired microcirculation is one of the most important factors in delayed wound healing. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of chemical and surgical interruption of sympathetic nerve fibers and α- and β-receptors blockers on muscular microcirculation.
Methods:
The experiment was performed on a standardized cremaster muscle model of male Wistar rats (n=51). Microcirculation was recorded via transillumination microscopy on each of the 4 test groups and in a control group before and after their respective treatments with one of the following: topical application of bupivacaine, metoprolol, phentolamine, or surgical denervation. The arteriolar diameter and functional capillary density (FCD) as parameter for tissue perfusion were assessed.
Results:
The α-blocker phentolamine was the only agent that caused a significant dilation of the arteriolar diameter (76.6 ± 6.9 vs 100.0 ± 12.0 µm). However, like bupivacaine, metoprolol, and the surgical sympathectomy, it did not improve FCD as a parameter for tissue perfusion. The strongest vasoconstriction (35.9 ± 4.3 vs 28.6 ± 4.0) and impairment of the FCD (10.0 ± 0.7 vs 4.1 ± 0.9) was induced by the β-blocker metoprolol.
Conclusions:
This study shows that phentolamine could be an agent for dilating arteriolar diameter, but it did not improve FCD. Whereas the other agents, including sympathectomy, did not alter arteriolar diameter, the β-blocker worsened both investigated parameters. Our results raise the question whether β-blockers negatively influence microcirculation. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate the potential adverse effects of β-blockers on wound healing.
More Related Videos
08:21Intradermal Microdialysis: An Approach to Investigating Novel Mechanisms of Microvascular Dysfunction in Humans
Published on: July 21, 2023
11:02Exploring Arterial Smooth Muscle Kv7 Potassium Channel Function using Patch Clamp Electrophysiology and Pressure Myography
Published on: September 14, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
Autoregulation of Blood Flow
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.