Evaluating the relationship between ocular blood flow and systemic organ blood flow in hemorrhagic shock using a rabbit model

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of utilizing noninvasive ocular blood flow measurements as potential indicators of systemic circulation in rabbits experiencing hemorrhagic shock. Using Laser speckle flowgraphy, ocular blood flow indices, relative flow volume (RFV), and mean blur rate in the choroidal area (MBR-CH) were assessed in New Zealand White rabbits (n = 10) subjected to controlled blood removal and return. Hemodynamic parameters and biochemical markers were monitored alongside ocular circulation during blood removal and return phases. Additionally, correlations between ocular parameters and systemic indices were examined. The results indicated that RFV and MBR-CH exhibited significant correlations with renal and intestinal blood flows, with stronger correlations observed during blood removal. Additionally, ocular blood flow changes closely mirrored systemic dynamics, suggesting their potential as real-time indicators of shock progression and recovery. These findings indicate that ocular blood flow measurements may serve as real-time indicators of the systemic circulation status during hemorrhagic shock, offering potential insights into shock management and guiding tailored interventions. Thus, noninvasive ocular blood flow evaluation holds promise as an innovative tool for assessing systemic circulation dynamics during hemorrhagic shock.