Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 55, Issue 2 642-651, Copyright © 1983 by American Physiological Society
A computerized system for densitometric analysis of the microcirculation
B. R. Duling, D. N. Damon, S. R. Donaldson and R. N. Pittman
An analytical system for measuring size, motion, and light absorption of
objects in the field of a microscope is described. The design criteria have
been chosen to produce a system that permits acquisition of densitometric
information at a number of points within the field and permits computation
of important variables from the densitometric data. Relatively simple
fiber-optics systems for sampling light intensity at selected locations in
the microscope field are described. Computer programs are outlined that
permit computation of microvessel diameter, red cell velocity, and
hemoglobin oxygen saturation. The sampling systems and programs are quite
general in nature and should be applicable to other types of related
measurements and computing devices.
