An Improved, Computer‐based Method to Automatically Track Internal and External Diameter of Isolated Microvessels

Objective: To develop an automated diameter tracking method suitable for studies of isolated, perfused microvessels (< 100 μ m internal diameter (ID)). Methods: A diameter tracking method was implemented in conjunction with a standard PC workstation and video card. Within a user‐defined window, the algorithm combined thresholding and iterative regression procedures to detect the average outer diameter (OD) of a vertically oriented microvessel. After an initial ID measurement by the user, the program continuously calculated ID based on the assumption of an incompressible vessel wall.

[1]  S. Terakawa.  Video Microscopy , 1985, Tanpakushitsu kakusan koso. Protein, nucleic acid, enzyme.

[2]  J. Spaan,et al.  Cannulation and continuous cross-sectional area measurement of small blood vessels. , 1990, Journal of pharmacological methods.

[3]  Michael J. Davis,et al.  Inhibition of the active lymph pump by flow in rat mesenteric lymphatics and thoracic duct , 2002, The Journal of physiology.

[4]  M Intaglietta,et al.  Microvascular measurements by video image shearing and splitting. , 1973, Microvascular research.

[5]  A. Pries,et al.  Digital video image-shearing device for continuous microvessel diameter measurement. , 1987, Microvascular research.

[6]  X. Shi,et al.  Modulation of bat wing venule contraction by transmural pressure changes. , 1992, The American journal of physiology.

[7]  G. Osol,et al.  Myogenic properties of cerebral blood vessels from normotensive and hypertensive rats. , 1985, The American journal of physiology.

[8]  T. Neild,et al.  Measurement of arteriole diameter changes by analysis of television images. , 1989, Blood vessels.

[9]  R W Gore,et al.  Length-tension relationship of vascular smooth muscle in single arterioles. , 1989, The American journal of physiology.

[10]  G. Davis,et al.  α4β1 Integrin Activation of L-Type Calcium Channels in Vascular Smooth Muscle Causes Arteriole Vasoconstriction , 2002 .

[11]  R. Loutzenhiser.  In situ studies of renal arteriolar function using the in vitro-perfused hydronephrotic rat kidney. , 1996, International review of experimental pathology.

[12]  W. Halpern,et al.  Mechanical behavior of pressurized in vitro prearteriolar vessels determined with a video system , 2006, Annals of Biomedical Engineering.

[13]  B. Duling,et al.  Morphology of the constricted arteriolar wall: physiological implications. , 1984, The American journal of physiology.

[14]  Dean Y. Li,et al.  Relation between outer and luminal diameter in cannulated arteries. , 1999, American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology.

[15]  R. D. Hogan,et al.  A digital video image splitting device for microvascular measurements. , 1984, Microvascular research.

[16]  B. Duling,et al.  Myogenic response and wall mechanics of arterioles. , 1989, The American journal of physiology.

[17]  B. Duling,et al.  Methods for isolation, cannulation, and in vitro study of single microvessels. , 1981, The American journal of physiology.

[18]  M. Davis,et al.  Force-velocity relationship of myogenically active arterioles. , 2002, American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology.

[19]  Frank C. P. Yin,et al.  A Video-Dimension Analyzer , 1972 .

[21]  L. Kuo,et al.  Interaction of pressure- and flow-induced responses in porcine coronary resistance vessels. , 1991, The American journal of physiology.

[22]  S Magers,et al.  Real-time measurement of microvascular dimensions using digital cross-correlation image processing. , 1992, Journal of vascular research.

[23]  H. Granger,et al.  Reactive oxygen metabolites inhibit spontaneous lymphatic contractions. , 1991, The American journal of physiology.

[24]  A. Koller,et al.  Endothelial impairment inhibits prostaglandin and EDRF-mediated arteriolar dilation in vivo. , 1989, The American journal of physiology.