Abstract
A method has been developed for simultaneous comparison and photographic recording of peripheral and visceral vascular areas in the same experimental animal.
Methods. The apparatus consists of a field-splitting device† (Fig. 1) which is placed over the oculars of 2 microscopes so adapted that the interocular distance is equal to the average distance between the cheek pouch and mesocecum of the hamster. The cheek pouch is pinned over a small transparent lucite block and prepared as a single membrane (1). The method for exposing and spanning the mesocecum is a modification of that introduced by Zweifach(2). Both vascular areas are manipulated by separate mechanical stages so that any adjustment of either field has no effect on the other (Fig. 2). Continuous temperature measurements of a thermoregulated mammalian Ringer irrigating solution are made by placing a thermistor at the edge of the mesentery. Direct readings in degrees centigrade are indicated on a control box meter.†
Still or cinephotomicrography is accomplished by placing a reflex camera above the field-splitter (Fig. 3). Images of both vascular beds are projected onto a ground glass screen from which observations are made and on which the photograph is composed before exposure. Fig. 4 is an example of the type of micrograph obtained.
For observations which need not be recorded photographically, the field-splitter is removed and a boom-mounted viewing box is centered above the microscope oculars. Two large, circular fields are thus projected side by side upon an opal glass screen. A mirror mounted above the screen at a 45 degree angle reflects the images so the observer may remain seated while viewing.
This method is currently being employed in a comparative study of vascular responses to shock and other stresses.
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