Effects of microbubbles and ultrasound on the microcirculation: observation on the hamster cheek pouch.
BACKGROUND
In view of the debate on the safety of using ultrasound associated with microbubbles, we investigated the microvascular effects in situations of potential clinical interest.


METHODS
Ultrasound, microbubbles, and their association were evaluated on the cheek pouch microcirculation in 96 male hamsters (n = 6 in each group): control; ischemia-reperfusion, 30 minutes total ischemia followed by reperfusion; hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia (substitution of the drinking water by 10% fructose solution for 3 months); and endotoxic shock (induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide). The heart rate, mean arterial pressure, number of rolling and adhered leukocytes, and arteriolar and venular diameters were analyzed.


RESULTS
Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were lower in the endotoxic shock group than in the control group. Ultrasound alone or associated with microbubbles decreased the number of rolling and adhered leukocytes in the ischemia-reperfusion and hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia groups and increased venular diameter in the ischemia-reperfusion group.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of ultrasound decreases inflammation. Although it has not been established that pseudo-anaphylaxis can be assessed by intravital microscopy, microbubble administration does not increase venular leukocyte adhesion.
Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Research on Vascular Biology, Biomedical Center, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Ana Cristina
AC
Camarozano
Fátima Zely
FZ
Garcia de Almeida Cyrino
Daniel Alexandre
DA
Bottino
Eliete
E
Bouskela
D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D002610:Cheek / Q000098:blood supply*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006224:Cricetinae; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004731:Endotoxins; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D036904:Leukocyte Rolling / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D045423:Microbubbles; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology*; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media; D004731:Endotoxins; D005466:Fluorocarbons; C044101:endotoxin, Escherichia coli; C042852:perflutren