Microcirculation Flashcards
What are the 2 functions of microcirculation?
- Exchange of molecules from the blood to cells and vice versa, via DIFFUSION
- Regulation of blood volume by altering the distribution of fluid between the interstitial and vascular compartments, via FILTRATION from or ABSORPTION into capillaries
Do capillaries have smooth muscle cells?
NO! just endothelial cells
What controls the blood flow into capillary beds?
As the metarterioles give off capillaries, the junction is surrounded by precapillary sphincters that regulate the blood flow into the capillary bed and venules.
Where are precapillary sphincters most abundant?
mesenteric circulation
What molecules can cross capillaries via diffusion?
Oxygen and Carbon dioxide
What molecules can diffuse through clefts?
water and small solutes
How are proteins transported across capillaries?
1) Fenestrations (in liver)
2) taken up by endocytosis and transported across endothelial cells via exocytosis! (very low flux thorugh this system)
Can proteins usually cross capillaries?
NO
What is the equation for osmotic pressure?
Osmotic pressure π=RTσΔc
What is the reflection coefficient related to?
σ =1 - permeability coefficient
What is the reflection coefficient of proteins?
Albumin and Hemoglobin have permeability coefficient of around 0, so they are almost completely reflected (.999)! This means that they generate a significant osmotic pressure.
What is the reflection coefficient of water?
Water has permeability coefficient of 1, so it is NOT reflected (0)
What can change the refection coefficient of proteins?
The reflection coefficients of proteins can decrease significantly during inflammatory conditions (like burns)
What is the Starling Equation?
Jv = Kf [(Pc - Pi ) – (Πc – Πi) ]
What does Jv stand for?
transcapillary flow
What does a positive Jv mean?
(+) when flow is outward, filtration
What does a negative Jv mean?
(-) when flow is inward, reabsorption
What does Kf stand for?
filtration coefficient (hydraulic conductance)- equal to inverse of resistance
What regulates Kf?
- Regulated by precapillary sphincters that can block flow into capillaries and shunt blood around them
- Regulated by capillary type (fenestrated (high) v. continuous (low))
- Regulated by inflammation (which will increase capillary permeability and raise Kf)