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Burn-induced alterations in vasoactive function of the peripheral cutaneous microcirculation
S J Aggarwal1, K R Diller, G K Blake
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin 78712-1084.
The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Scald burns significantly impair skin blood vessel function (vasomotion) in hamsters, causing suppressed activity and slower contractions. The severity of microvascular response is directly related to the burn size.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Microcirculation
- Burn Medicine
Background:
- Cutaneous vasomotion is crucial for regulating skin blood flow and temperature.
- Large scald burns can disrupt normal physiological functions, including microvascular dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify alterations in cutaneous vasomotion following large scald burns.
- To investigate the time course and characteristics of microcirculatory changes post-burn.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a hamster dorsal skin flap window chamber model for direct microscopic observation.
- Measured arteriolar vasoactivity before and after a 100°C scald burn (17-55% body surface area).
- Employed digital video imaging and Prony power spectral analysis to assess diameter fluctuations and frequencies.
Main Results:
- Vasomotion was suppressed for several hours post-burn, with slower contractions observed compared to controls.
- No uniform direction of vessel diameter changes occurred in the peripheral microcirculation.
- The extent of microvascular response was proportional to the scalded body surface area.
Conclusions:
- Large scald burns profoundly alter cutaneous vasomotion, leading to suppressed and altered microcirculatory patterns.
- The microvascular response to burns is complex and varies across different vessels.
- Burn severity directly correlates with the magnitude of peripheral microvascular dysfunction.