Changes in Brain Capillary Diameter during Hypocapnia and Hypercapnia

Abstract

Since changes in the surface area of capillaries may be relevant to capillary exchange, the distensibility of brain capillaries was investigated. Brain capillary diameters were measured after perfusion fixation of brain tissue at a constant perfusion pressure during hypo- or hypercapnia. Sections were embedded, stained, and analyzed by light microscopy. The results showed significant differences in mean capillary diameter between the hypocapnic and the hypercapnic group. In the eight brain structures analyzed, capillary diameters were always larger in the hypercapnic group. Mean capillary diameter was 4.93 ± 0.29 μm in the hypocapnic group and 5.91 ± 0.10 μm in the hypercapnic group (means ± SD). We conclude that brain capillaries exhibit a moderate degree of distensibility. Variations in the precapillary pressure of microvessels may therefore influence both capillary flow and capillary surface area.