EFFECT OF VACCINIUM-MYRTILLUS ANTHOCYANOSIDES ON ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSIONINJURY IN HAMSTER-CHEEK-POUCH MICROCIRCULATION

The effects of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides (VMA) on ischaemia reperfusion injury were investigated in the hamster cheek pouch microc irculation. Ischaemia was induced by clamping the cheek pouch for 30 m in followed by 30 min of reperfusion. The microvasculature was visuali zed by a fluorescence technique. VMA [10 mg (100 g body weight)(-1)] w ere orally administered for 2 and 4 weeks. The number of adhering leuk ocytes to venular vessel walls, the perfused capillary length, the inc rease in permeability, the arteriolar diameter changes were determined . Ischaemia and reperfusion were associated with increased number of l eukocytes sticking to venules, decreased number of perfused capillarie s, and increased permeability. VMA decreased the number of leukocytes sticking to the venular wall and preserved the capillary perfusion; th e increase in permeability was significantly reduced after reperfusion . VMA saved the arteriolar tone and induced the appearance of rhythmic diameter changes of arterioles. These results demonstrate the ability of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides to reduce microvascular impair ments due to ischaemia reperfusion injury, with preservation of endoth elium, attenuation of leukocyte adhesion and improvement of capillary perfusion.