Abstract
We propose individual capillary units can regulate their own O2 supply by direct communication to upstream arterioles via electrically coupled endothelium. To test this hypothesis, we developed a transparent micro-exchange device for localized O2 exchange with surface capillaries of intact tissue. The device was fabricated with an O2 permeable micro-outlet 0.2×1.0mm. Experiments were performed on rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle using dual wavelength video microscopy to measure capillary hemodynamics and erythrocyte SO2 . Responses to local O2 perturbations were measured with only capillaries positioned over the micro-outlet. Step changes in the gas mixture %O2 caused physiological changes in erythrocyte SO2 , and appropriate changes in flow to offset the O2 challenge if at least 3-4 capillaries were stimulated. These results support our hypothesis that individual capillary units play a role in regulating their erythrocyte supply in response to a changing O2 environment.
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