Is vascular reactivity in skin predictable?
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cutaneous microdialysis can be used to follow the pharmacology and metabolism of an inflammatory reaction. It is assumed that an equilibration period compensates for the trauma of catheter insertion. METHODS: In the present paper, the vascular reactivity of the skin to histamine was tested using assessment by laser Doppler perfusion imaging. In a group of six subjects, the provocation was preceded by insertion of a microdialysis catheter. In a second control group, histamine provocation alone was performed (six subjects). RESULTS: The vascular response to histamine was greater in the microdialysis catheter group than the control group. The histamine provocation caused a greater response than catheter insertion. Further, there was a correlation between the response to catheter insertion and the histamine provocation. CONCLUSION: It appears that the insertion and/or presence of a microdialysis catheter increases vascular reactivity to subsequent provocation. The response to catheter insertion may predict skin reactivity in general in the individual subject.
Lindén
Maria
M
Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Dermatology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Andersson
Thomas
T
Wårdell
Karin
K
Anderson
Chris
C