Quantitative Estimation of Tissue Blood Flow Rate

Tissue blood flow rate (F ) is a critical parameter for assessing functional efficiency of a blood vessel network following angiogenesis. This chapter aims to provide the principles behind estimation of F and a practical approach to its determination in laboratory animals using small, readily diffusible, and metabolically inert radiotracers. The methods described require relatively nonspecialized equipment. However, the analytical descriptions apply equally to complementary techniques involving sophisticated noninvasive imaging. Two techniques are described for the quantitative estimation of F using the tissue uptake following intravenous administration of radioactive iodoantipyrine (or other suitable radiotracer). The tissue equilibration technique is the classical approach, and the indicator fractionation technique, which is simpler to perform, is a practical alternative in many cases. The experimental procedures and analytical methods for both techniques are given, as well as guidelines for choosing the most appropriate method.