Measurement of red cell velocity in microvessels using particle image velocimetry (PIV)

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Nakano, Atushi^; | Sugii, Yasuhiko | Minamiyama, Motomu | Niimi, Hideyuki

Affiliations: Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka 565‐8565, Japan | Nuclear Engineering Research Laboratory, The University of Tokyo, Tokai, Ibaragi 319‐1188, Japan

Note: [] Corresponding author: E‐mail: [email protected].

Abstract: A new technique using particle image velocimetry (PIV) has been developed to evaluate the detailed velocity profiles of red cells flowing in microvessels. The microcirculation in rat mesentery was directly observed using high‐speed videomicroscopy, and the images of red cells flowing in the mesenteric arterioles were recorded simultaneously with the arterial blood pressure. Based on the high‐speed videomicroscopic images obtained, velocity vectors in single or branched arterioles were evaluated to obtain velocity profiles across the cross‐section of arterioles. It was shown that in single and straight arterioles the velocity profile was blunt with a pit at the central region, and its pit was marked in bifurcation. The present technique enables us to analyze red cell velocity profiles up to 0.8 μm in the spatial resolution and 1 msec in the time interval.

Keywords: Arterioles, mesentery, particle image velocimetry (PIV), red blood cell, velocity profile, videomicroscopy

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 445-455, 2003