Measurement of capillary pressure in humans using a venous occlusion method

The venous occlusion technique was used to measure capillary pressure in the forearm and foot of man over a wide range of venous pressures. In six recumbent subjects venous pressure (Pv) in the forearm (mean +/- SE) was 9.3 +/- 1.4 mmHg and the venous occlusion estimate of capillary pressure (Pc) was 17.0 +/- 1.6 mmHg, whereas in another six subjects Pv in the foot was 17.1 +/- 1.2 mmHg and Pc was 23.4 +/- 2.5 mmHg. Venous pressure in the limbs was increased either by changes in posture or by venous congestion with a sphygmomanometer cuff. On standing Pv in the foot increased to 95.2 +/- 1.5 mmHg and Pc rose to 112.8 +/- 3.1 mmHg. The relationship established between venous pressure and capillary pressure in the forearm is Pc = 1.16 Pv + 8.1, whereas in the foot the relationship is Pc = 1.2 Pv + 1.6. The magnitude and duration of the changes in capillary pressure were also recorded during reactive hyperemia. The venous occlusion method of measuring capillary pressure is simple and easily applied to studies in humans.