EFFECTS OF COLD ISCHEMIA ON REFLOW PATTERNS IN THE RAT CREMASTER MUSCLE MICROCIRCULATION

In replantation and tissue transplantation an ischemic period is inevi table until blood flow is reestablished. This study evaluated the refl ow patterns of the rat cremaster microcirculation after warm and cold ischemia with the use of vital microscopy. The present studies indicat e that hypothermia (cold temperatures of about 5 degrees C) protects a rteries from excessive spasm during ischemia and also lessens the reac tive hyperemia. The enhanced reflow patterns may be attributed to decr eased vessel injury and the diminution of metabolic needs of the hypot hermic muscle. These results support the use of hypothermia even for s hort ischemic periods during microsurgery procedures in order to preve nt adverse effects on the reflow patterns of the tissue.