A variety of studies now indicate that retinal vasodilation during flicker light simulation is reduced in diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obesity, and may be influenced by age and race/ethnicity. These data suggest that flicker light-induced retinal vasodilation may be a unique and non-invasive measure of endothelial dysfunction. This review focuses recent studies on systemic associations of flicker light-induced retinal vasodilation, and discusses the potential for future research in this area. “
“Refractory angina is the occurrence

of clinical symptoms despite maximal therapy. We investigated associations between microvascular function, atherosclerotic burden, and clinical symptoms in subjects with CAD. Skin microvascular response Y-27632 manufacturer to heating and ischemia was assessed in 167 male volunteers by laser Doppler fluximetry; 82 with CAD on maximal Raf inhibition therapy

and 85 with no known CAD (noCAD). CAC scores, carotid IMT, and femoral IMT were measured and symptoms were scored using the Rose angina questionnaire. Patients with CAD had poorer microvascular response to heating (114[95% CI 106–122]au CAD vs. 143[134–153]au no CAD; p < 0.0001) and ischemia (42[38–46]au CAD vs. 53[78–58]au. noCAD; p = 0.001). Thirty-eight percent of the noCAD group had elevated CAC scores. There were no associations between markers of atherosclerosis and microvascular function. Forty-two percent of the CAD group had refractory angina. This was associated with impaired microvascular function compared to those with elevated CAC scores but no symptoms (109 [95–124]au vs. 131[122–140]au; p = 0.008). Men with symptomatic CAD have poorer microvascular function compared to individuals without CAD. Microvascular function does not correlate with atherosclerosis, but is impaired in individuals with refractory angina. Microvascular dysfunction may play a role in the symptomatology of angina. "
“Please cite this paper as: Bierbach B, Scheewe J, Derfuss Acyl CoA dehydrogenase T, Krug A, Schramm R, Dahm M, Kuroczynski W, Kempski O, Horstick G. Continuous regional myocardial blood flow measurement: validation of a near-infrared laser Doppler device in a porcine

model. Microcirculation 19: 485–493, 2012. Objective:  RMBF measurement is a major concern in various clinical and experimental settings, but no validated device for RMBF is currently available. Methods:  An LVP-triggered laser Doppler to measure RMBF was validated by simultaneous fluorescent MS RMBF in a porcine LAD flow reduction model (n = 10 pigs). The laser probe was positioned on the left ventricle’s anterior wall. LAD blood flow reduction was achieved by a shaft-driven occluder positioned proximal to the transit-time flow meter measuring coronary blood flow. RMBF was measured at baseline; after the reduction of LAD blood flow to 70% and 30% of baseline; at 20 and 120 minutes of reperfusion; and, finally, 15 minutes after LAD occlusion.