Assessment of microvascular endothelial function in human skin.

摘要: Endothelial dysfunction is an important factor in many cardiovascular diseases, and commonly associated with impaired endothelium-mediated vasodilatation. Information about the mechanisms behind this has come largely from animal studies or, humans, through invasive techniques that are not specific to one vascular bed. We have developed protocols assess endothelial function non-invasively cutaneous microcirculation by measuring blood flow responses four receptor-specific vasoactive compounds. Cumulative doses of acetylcholine, methacholine, bradykinin substance P were administered iontophoretically forearm skin healthy volunteers on two three occasions. Dose-dependent increases microvascular response these drugs measured laser Doppler imaging. Vascular acetylcholine methacholine reasonably consistent, coefficients variation approx. 17%. The for much poorer, as high 70% some doses. This might partly be a consequence more unpredictable effects histamine release behaviour agonists. Although it advantageous find other agonists which test different receptor pathways, we shown just can currently used iontophoresis allow sensitive reproducible assessment function.