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Changes in rat mesentery interstitial matrix due to superfusate
B J Barber1, R A Babbitt, S Dutta
1Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40506-0070.
Abstract:
Animal preparations for microscopy often require a superfusate solution to cover surgically exposed tissue. There are few, if any, data concerning the effects of this solution on extravascular protein concentration and hydration. The effect of superfusion on mesenteric tissue in anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats was studied. Tissue samples were taken from nonsuperfused and superfused tissue and analyzed for hydration, albumin, and transferrin content. The mesenteric tissue interstitial matrix was rapidly altered by normal saline superfusate. After superfusion, there was a decrease (P < 0.01) in tissue albumin concentration from 1.17 +/- 0.27 to 0.10 +/- 0.08 g/dl (n = 9). Tissue hydration increased from 4.98 +/- 0.8 micrograms water/microgram dry wt in controls to 7.38 +/- 1.2 micrograms water/micrograms dry wt after superfusion. When a range of superfusate albumin concentrations was used (0, 1, 2, and 3 g/dl), tissue albumin concentration changed 0.59 +/- 0.09 g/dl for each gram per deciliter change in superfusate concentration (P < 0.0001). The large changes in interstitial matrix protein content and hydration suggest that superfusate solution effects need to be considered in microvascular protein transport experiments.
Insights
Superfusion of rat mesenteric tissue with saline significantly alters protein concentration and hydration. These changes impact extravascular protein levels and tissue water content, crucial for microvascular research.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Microcirculation Research
- Experimental Biology
Background:
- Superfusion solutions are vital for maintaining tissue viability during microscopy.
- Limited data exist on superfusion's impact on extravascular protein concentration and tissue hydration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of superfusion on mesenteric tissue hydration and protein content in rats.
- To determine how superfusate composition influences tissue albumin levels.
Main Methods:
- Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were used.
- Mesenteric tissue samples were collected from superfused and nonsuperfused areas.
- Tissue hydration, albumin, and transferrin content were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Superfusion with normal saline significantly decreased tissue albumin concentration (P < 0.01).
- Tissue hydration increased significantly after superfusion (P < 0.01).
- Tissue albumin concentration correlated directly with superfusate albumin concentration (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Superfusion rapidly alters the mesenteric tissue interstitial matrix.
- The hydration and protein content changes necessitate consideration in microvascular protein transport studies.
- Superfusate composition is a critical factor affecting experimental outcomes.