[In vivo fluorescent microscopy of the liver microcirculation after embolization with a newly developed trans-proper hepatic arterial infusion animal model].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of the in vivo fluorescent microscopy in studying the changes of liver microcirculation after embolization with a newly developed animal model for tans-proper hepatic arterial infusion, and to summarize the method of making this animal model. METHODS: Ten Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. After a midline abdominal incision, microcatheter was placed into the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). The tip of the catheter was placed facing the orifice of proper hepatic artery. After infusions of 0.02%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1% fluorescent sodium, fluorescent microscopy was used to evaluate the liver microcirculation. The image quality was then accessed. Embolization was obtained by injections of Lipiodol and Degradable Starch Microspheres (DSM) from the microcatheter. Corresponding changes of the liver microcirculation was evaluated by fluorescent microscopy. RESULTS: From the 10 rats, 8 animal models were successfully established. The microcirculation of the liver could be clearly visualized by the fluorescent microscopy. The optimal concentration of fluorescent sodium was 0.1%. The direct and indirect phenomena caused by embolic material could be evaluated by fluorescent microscopy. CONCLUSION: Fluorescent microscopy with the corresponding Trans-hepatic arterial infusion animal model is a valuable method to evaluate the microcirculation of the liver and can be used for the evaluation of changes of liver microcirculation caused by embolization material.