In vivo measurement of blood flow volume in the monkey retina
Kimura, Y.; Nitta, A.; Shimizu, R.; Takayama, H.; Aoki, K.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 92(9): 1489-1496
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-0203 PMID: 3213781 Document Number: 322997
We quantitated the blood flow in the retina of Japanese monkeys, (Macaca fuscata) using the hydrogen clearance method. We modified the electrode sensor into a coiled spring shape. The electrode was gently placed on the retinal surface to minimize possible damage to the retinal tissue. After experimental setup and after body temperature, systemic arterial pressure and the intraocular pressure were maintained within physiological stable ranges, measurement of the retinal blood flow was performed at a 15-minute interval over a maximally 2-hour period. The blood flow in the posterior retina within the vascular arcades averaged 101.5 .+-. 23.2 ml/min/100 g (N = 16) and that in the midperipheral retina averaged 64.7 .+-. 18.1 ml/min/100 g (N = 7). The difference between the posterior and the midperipheral retina was significant (p < 0.01). The observed topological difference was apparently due to the peculiarity in the angioarchitecture of the retina and hence to differences in the density of retinal capillaries between the posterior and the midperipheral retina.