Comparative responses of cerebellar and cerebral arterioles to changes in PaCO2 in cats

A modified cranial-window technique was devised that permits direct observation and study of the pial microcirculation of the cerebellum and comparisons of the responses of the microvessels in this location with those in the hemisphere. We used this technique in anesthetized cats to compare the responses of cerebellar and cerebral arterioles with alterations in arterial blood CO2 tension. Arterioles in these two locations responded with similar percentile changes in vessel caliber to both hypercapnia and hypocapnia.