AJP - Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol 251, Issue 1 92-E97, Copyright © 1986 by American Physiological Society
Relationship between nerve blood flow and intercapillary distance in peripheral nerve edema
P. G. McManis, P. A. Low and J. K. Yao
Some human and experimental neuropathies are characterized by endoneurial
edema and increased intercapillary distance (ICD). This may potentially
produce chronic endoneurial ischemia. To examine the relationship between
nerve blood flow (NBF) and ICD we measured NBF in rats with experimental
galactose neuropathy (EGN), a model where ICD is known to be increased.
Simultaneous measurements of NBF in the center and subperineurial region
were made in normal and edematous tibial nerves using hydrogen-sensitive
microelectrodes and hydrogen polarography. NBF was significantly reduced in
rats with EGN when compared with controls. A second finding was that in
half the rats with EGN there was a greater reduction in NBF in the
subperineurial region, a site of maximal ICD increase. In contrast, NBF was
similar in central and peripheral regions in control rats. These findings
support the hypothesis that an increase in ICD produces a reduction in NBF.
Further support for the hypothesis is derived from a computer model of the
effect of changes in ICD on endoneurial oxygen tension. We conclude that a
chronic reduction in NBF may participate in the pathogenesis of edematous
neuropathies.
