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Relationship between nerve blood flow and intercapillary distance in peripheral nerve edema
The American Journal of Physiology
|July 1, 1986
Summary
Increased intercapillary distance (ICD) in experimental galactose neuropathy (EGN) reduces nerve blood flow (NBF). This finding in rats suggests reduced NBF may contribute to edematous neuropathies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Edematous neuropathies often feature increased endoneurial intercapillary distance (ICD).
- This may lead to chronic endoneurial ischemia, impacting nerve function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between nerve blood flow (NBF) and ICD.
- To determine if reduced NBF occurs in experimental galactose neuropathy (EGN), a model with known increased ICD.
Main Methods:
- Measured NBF in tibial nerves of normal and EGN rats using hydrogen-sensitive microelectrodes and polarography.
- Compared NBF in central and subperineurial regions of the nerves.
Main Results:
- NBF was significantly reduced in EGN rats compared to controls.
- A greater NBF reduction was observed in the subperineurial region of EGN rats, correlating with maximal ICD.
- Control rats showed similar NBF in central and peripheral regions.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that increased ICD reduces NBF.
- Chronic reduction in NBF may play a role in the pathogenesis of edematous neuropathies.