Fluorescence induced in platelet aggregates as a guide to luminal contours in the presence of platelet aggregation

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Abstract

After intravenous injection of sodium fluorescein, appropriately filtered uv light will cause platelets to aggregate in the microcirculation. These aggregates brightly fluoresce. When aggregates build up and encroach on the vessel lumen they produce an irregular contour. When such vessels are observed by ordinary in vivo microscopy, the adherent aggregates ("white bodies") may be difficult to distinguish from the vessel wall, which may itself be difficult to define. The appearance of the red cell column then commonly becomes the basis for determining vessel contour or diameter and an erroneous impression of irregular vasoconstriction may be obtained. The bright fluorescence of the platelet aggregates under uv illumination readily corrects this impression. Aggregates induced by other means may also fluoresce under uv light if fluorescein is injected following aggregation. However, production of aggregates by fluorescein and by uv light is a method which uniquely permits simultaneous production of aggregation and precise evaluation of apparent vasoconstriction or luminal narrowing.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)103-106
Number of pages4
JournalMicrovascular Research
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1978
Externally publishedYes

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