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Regional blood flows measured in Mongolian gerbil by a modified microsphere method
Abstract:
Regional blood flow to major organs and regional cerebral blood flow were determined in seven anesthetized male gerbils by a modified microsphere method. Carbonized microspheres, 15 micrometers in diameter and labeled with 85Sr or 141Ce, were injected into the left ventricle by cardiac puncture through the closed thorax, and reference samples of known volume were withdrawn from tail-artery cannula. No significant hemodynamic alterations were observed during microsphere administration, and extraction of 15-micrometers microspheres by the pulmonary or systemic capillary beds was nearly 100%. The adequacy of mixing of microspheres in the left ventricle was also validated. The absolute regional blood flow to various organs and regional cerebral blood flow were expressed in terms of milliliters per minute per gram tissue weight, and the values mostly agreed with those reported previously in rats. The results indicate that the reference sample method can be applied to the gerbil. This method should allow the gerbil, which is an animal widely used in stroke research, to be conveniently used for hemodynamic studies when organ blood flow and regional cerebral blood flow are necessary.
Insights
This study validates a microsphere method for measuring organ and cerebral blood flow in gerbils. This technique is crucial for hemodynamic studies in gerbils, a key animal model for stroke research.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Gerbils are extensively used in stroke research.
- Accurate hemodynamic measurements are vital for understanding stroke mechanisms.
- Existing methods may not be optimal for gerbil hemodynamic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt and validate a microsphere method for determining regional blood flow in gerbils.
- To assess the applicability of this method for measuring organ and cerebral blood flow.
- To facilitate hemodynamic research in gerbils for stroke studies.
Main Methods:
- A modified microsphere method using carbonized microspheres (15 micrometers) labeled with radioactive isotopes.
- Injection into the left ventricle and reference sample withdrawal from tail artery cannula in anesthetized gerbils.
- Validation of microsphere mixing, pulmonary/systemic extraction, and hemodynamic stability.
Main Results:
- The microsphere method demonstrated nearly 100% extraction by capillary beds.
- No significant hemodynamic alterations were observed during the procedure.
- Regional blood flow values obtained were comparable to those previously reported in rats.
- The reference sample method was deemed applicable to gerbils.
Conclusions:
- The validated microsphere method is suitable for measuring organ and regional cerebral blood flow in gerbils.
- This technique enhances the utility of gerbils in hemodynamic research, particularly for stroke studies.
- The study provides a reliable method for future investigations into gerbil physiology and disease models.