Objective: To investigate the early-stage changes of cerebral microcirculation after craniocerebral missile wound (CMW) in cats.
Methods: Twelve mongrel cats of either sex were used for measuring the caliber (D), velocity (V) and blood flow (Q) of the pial microvessels and observing the vital signs 10 min before CMW and from 5 min to 5 h after CMW. The pathological changes of the brain tissue were also examined.
Results: After CMW, the D, V and Q of the pial arteriole decreased within the initial 5 to 20 min, followed by elevation of Da and Qa at 90 min. No significant changes were noted in the Dv of the pial venule but its Vv and Qv remained at low levels.
Conclusion: After CMW, the Q of microvessels may increase progressively in the areas of concussion, contusion and laceration injuries to induce reperfusion injury following ischemia and hypoxia of the brain tissue resulting from microcirculation disorder caused by the wound.