A new preparation for microcirculatory studies of the hamster cheek pouch

Existing methods of preparing the hamster cheek pouch for observation under an intravital microscope have several disadvantages. The everted method, described by Duling (Microvasc. Res. 5: 423-429, 1973), appears to restrict blood flow by placing unnatural tension on the retractor muscle and by requiring an incision in the tip of the pouch. The method of Yamaki et al. (Microvasc. Res. 21: 299-301, 1981) requires an incision in the tip of the pouch and complete disconnection of the retractor muscle. The chamber method of Greenblatt et al. (Microvasc. Res. 1: 420-432, 1969) has a limited optical resolution because the tissue cannot easily be transilluminated with properly condensed light. We have devised a less traumatic method of preparing the pouch, which eliminates these disadvantages. The hamster is anesthetized, and a thin, glass support plate is inserted into the left cheek pouch. The plate is constructed and positioned so that it does not restrict flow to any part of the pouch. The free end of the plate is secured to the animal stage. An incision is made in the skin to expose the cheek pouch, and the loose, avascular connective tissue investing the pouch and the retractor muscle is removed. The pouch is positioned at an angle of 20 degrees from the hamster's body in a temperature-controlled chamber over a standard microscope condensor system. Throughout both surgical and experimental procedures, the pouch is superfused with Ringer-bicarbonate solution at 37.5 degrees C. This preparation minimizes surgical trauma and allows the entire vascular supply to the cheek pouch to be studied.