Measurement of Regional Bone Blood Flow in the Rabbit Mandible Using the Hydrogen Washout Technique

Abstract

This investigation involved quantitating blood flow in rabbit mandible using the hydrogen washout technique. The animal was ventilated with a H2/O2 gas mixture. Hydrogen concentration was monitored by surgically implanted platinum electrodes. The Fick principle was used to interpret the H2 washouts. The following mean flows were obtained: Cortical bone, 4.49 ml/100g/min; condylar bone, 8.22 ml/100g/min; and alveolar bone, 18.33 ml/100g/min. This technique proved repeatable and compared well with other studies.