A Fluorescence Histological Technique for the Investigation of Capillary Damage in Experimental Muscle Trauma.

摘要

A fluorescein-labelled dextran of high molecular weight has been used to visualize the capillary bed in muscle tissue adjacent to the permanent wound cavity created by a high-velocity missile. The fluorescent dye is confined to the vascular system prior to wounding. The distribution of the dye as seen in frozen sections by fluorescence microscopy reveals where damage has occurred. In undamaged tissue the capillaries appear as small discrete yellow-green discs in transverse section. In tissue taken from near the wound track the radial spread of dye about the capillaries indicates damage. Where many capillaries are damaged muscle cells appear completely surrounded by the dye. Close to the wound track the dye may be taken up by damaged muscle cells, which are swollen and separated. (Author)