Accumulation of isotope labelled platelets in small arteries after end-to-end and end-in-end anastomoses in the rabbit

Abstract

Microvascular anastomoses were performed under standardized conditions on the central artery of the ear in 8 rabbits. In all, 6 end-to-end and 5 end-in-end anastomoses were carried out. In 3 rabbits, one type of anastomosis was performed on each ear thus permitting simultaneous comparison of both types. Other than the local application of lidocaine, no anticoagulants or vasodilating agents were used. 32P labelled platelets were injected intravenously 2 hours before microvascular anastomoses were performed. All end-to-end anastomoses showed a rapid increase in radioactivity immediately after removal of the vessel clamps. The activity reached a peak some 300–600% above the initial value after approximately 30 minutes and then decreased. The patent vessels in the end-in-end group showed no increase in platelet activity and the difference between the two groups was significant during the first two hours. The results are interpreted as showing that platelet accumulation in patent vessels is more pronounced in end-to-end than in end-in-end anastomoses.