Blood flow measurement system for microcirculation by image correlation method

Abstract

In order to elucidate the function of microcirculation system, which is essential for material transport in tissues and organs, it is very important to know blood flow velocity and its distribution in the microvessels. An image correlation method has been developed for the measurement of red blood cell (RBC) velocity in the microcirculation. Dynamic images of the blood flow are obtained in situ under microscopic observation using a high-speed video system and are processed to measure RBC velocity with a PC system. The results indicate that this system enable to analyze RBC velocity with a high-temporal resolution. This system is applied to RBC velocity measurements in liver and kidney as well as in mesentery. An anti-hypertensive agent is administered to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and blood flow change is observed. The authors are able to show that this system is effective for pharmacological evaluation.