Single Channel Blood Perfusion System

Radnoti Glass Technology has developed a special perfusion system to meet the needs of scientists interested in blood vessel research in the rapidly advancing areas of endothelial function, metabolism and release of endogenous neurotransmitters and vasoactive substances.

This system includes a Radnoti 25ml organ bath, which has a perfusate pre-warming coil built into the bath's water-jacket. The solution exits through a glass Luer fitting before passing into the entry cannula through connecting tubing. The use of Luer fittings on the entry and exit of the pre-warming coil permit the system to be coupled to another perfusion system to form a cascade system (see Box).

This configuration also allows placement of a pressure transducer and permits addition or removal of perfusion media before it reaches the blood vessel. The perfusion system also has a replaceable aerator with adjustable needle valve, a bottom drain and overflow outlet. The perfusion system cap is made of high-density polypropylene with an O-ring seal to insure a snug fit. The cap has five holes drilled through it for passage of a set of stimulating electrodes and an inflow and outflow cannula, between which the blood vessel is mounted, and a tube for sample addition to the bath interior. All of the items inserted into the cap can be positioned through the use of nylon set screws.

To use this perfusion system, the blood vessel of choice is dissected out and cleaned. The vessel is then secured to the inflow and the outflow cannulae by means of a suture. The inflow cannula is straight while the outflow has a hooked end to facilitate proper vessel alignment. The ends of the cannulae are both slightly flared with a fine ground finish to insure a secure fit to the blood vessel.

Standard cannula O.D.'s are 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0mm which will accommodate various preparations such as rat tail artery, portal vein, pulmonary aorta, and the mesentery or isolated large vessels. Additional sizes are available upon request. This design incorporates an open-end perfusion system for the study of vasoconstrictors and vasodilators, nerve stimulation, and the effect of various drugs on an entire vascular bed in-vitro.

Stimulating electrodes are positioned in the tissue to promote the release of neurotransmitters. When mounting the tissue, the electrodes are slid upward and secured with set screws, providing clear access to the cannulae. Once the tissue is secured, the electrodes are repositioned. The bath media can be rapidly exchanged through the use of the bottom drain or the overflow outlet and solutions added via pipette, syringe or external reservoir.