Acta physiologica Scandinavica
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Acta Physiol. Scand. · Feb 1997
Heterogeneous blood flow response in the foot on dependency, assessed by laser Doppler perfusion imaging.
The exact nature of the decrease in foot skin blood flow seen after a change in posture remains unsettled. This mechanism has previously been examined by non-invasive techniques such as the laser Doppler perfusion monitor (laser Doppler flowmetry). Taking into account the shortcomings of laser Doppler perfusion monitoring when applied to the determination of skin blood flow, which normally shows substantial heterogeneity, we have applied an emerging technology, the laser Doppler perfusion imager (LDPI). ⋯ As the LDPI technique readily records skin perfusion during variations in venous stasis and posture, as well as information on flow distribution changes. It appears promising for future application in stimuli-response studies of skin blood flow. The difference in flow distribution seen between increased venous pressure and dependency suggests an additive regulatory mechanism to the veni-vasomotor reflex during a change in posture.