Application Highlight: Studying Coronary Vessel Dynamics
The coronary vessel wall plays a central role in regulating blood flow by dynamically adjusting the vessel lumen. Subtle changes in vessel wall structure and function often precede the development of cardiovascular disease, making them a critical focus for investigation.
Coronary Flow Reserve (CFR) as a Vessel Wall Function Index
The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a non-invasive optogenetic pacemaker to directly pace cardiomyocytes and control cardiac rhythms. With growing interest in the Heart-Brain axis—and evidence linking increased heart rate variability with panic and anxiety-related disorders—this technology was used to explore how tachycardia influences anxiety-related behavior.
Vessel Wall Changes Across Physiological States
Representative vessel images highlighted below illustrate how the vessel wall undergoes dynamic morphological changes to regulate coronary flow:
- Baseline State (A):Â The vessel wall maintains its resting tone, keeping the lumen diameter steady and blood flow velocity stable.
- Hyperemic State (B):Â Upon a vasodilator infusion, the smooth muscle within the vessel wall relaxes, widening the lumen. This expansion reduces vascular resistance and produces a surge in blood flow velocity, reflected by elevated Doppler velocity peaks.
- Returning to Baseline (C):Â After withdrawal of the vasodilator, the vessel wall begins to recontract, gradually narrowing the lumen and reducing blood flow.
- Restored Baseline (D):Â Vessel wall tone is fully reestablished, with both morphology and flow velocity returning to baseline levels.
These transitions underscore the tight coupling between vessel wall behavior and coronary flow regulation.
Role of DFVS Imaging
Indus’ Doppler Flow Velocity System (DFVS) provides high-frequency, real-time imaging that enables researchers to directly capture these dynamic blood flow velocity changes. By integrating pulsed-Doppler measurements with physiological monitoring (ECG, respiration, temperature), the DFVS system ensures reliable, reproducible assessment of coronary flow reserve in preclinical models.
This approach allows researchers to:
- Detect subtle microvascular dysfunctionbefore gross pathology develops
- Evaluate therapeutic interventions, diets, genetic modifications aimed at restoring vascular responsiveness
The DFVS is routinely used for coronary flow reserve measurements in preclinical research, but please note that this system is also routinely used for confirming successful Transverse Aortic Constriction Surgery, successful and consistent vessel ligation, measuring arterial stiffness via pulse wave velocity measurements as well as other blood flow velocity applications.
Check out the Doppler Flow Velocity System website page for more information, or contact Scintica Instrumentation if you would like to discuss your specific research needs and how the DFVS may benefit your group.
Want to learn more about the DFVS?
