Prediction of Microvascular Adaptation to Hypoxia Based on Myogenic Microcirculation Oscillations

Microcirculatory oscillations known as flowmotion are a recognized feature of blood flow that reflect the functional state of the vascular system. Many diseases are associated with impaired flowmotion, especially diseases that are accompanied by hypoxia. Low-frequency myogenic oscillations (0.052–0.15 Hz) are an important regulator of microvascular adaptation to hypoxia. Here, we study the myogenic component of flowmotion using the FMSF–PORH (Flow Mediated Skin Fluorescence–Post Occlusive Reactive Hyperemia) technique. Myogenic oscillations were strongly activated under hypoxic conditions caused by occlusion of the brachial artery or intermittent hypoxic treatment. A strong correlation was noted between the hypoxia sensitivity parameter HS (the intensity of myogenic oscillations activated by hypoxia) and the normoxic myogenic flowmotion parameter VM (the intensity of myogenic oscillations under normoxic conditions). If HS is considered as a direct measure of the microcirculation response to hypoxia, then VM can be considered a measure of the microcirculation’s readiness to provide this response. The predictive value of the VM parameter is presented. The assessment of myogenic activity under normoxia conditions could thus provide a simple and rapid diagnostic tool for health care practitioners.