Effect of hyperoxemia and ritanserin on skeletal muscle microflow

Serotonin₂ (5-HT₂) receptor antagonists (ketanserin, ritanserin) can normalize a hyperoxemia-induced disturbance in skeletal muscle oxygenation, presumably by local microflow changes. The purpose of this study was to develop equipment for local hydrogen clearance measurements with a modified eight-channel platinum electrode to assess changes in local skeletal muscle capillary blood flow induced by hyperoxemia and ritanserin (0.035 mg/kg) during hyperoxemia. Laser-Doppler flowmetry was used for regional microflow measurements. Two groups of six anesthetized and artifically ventilated rabbits were studied: group I with normoxemia and hyperoxemia [arterial PO₂ (Pa(O₂)) 48 kPa; 360 Torr] and group II before and after ritanserin with hyperoxemia (Pa(O₂) 46 kPa; 345 Torr). In group I, hyperoxemia induced a mean local hydrogen clearance decrease of 22% while laser-Doppler flowmetry signal decreased 31%. In group II, ritanserin induced a 125% mean local hydrogen clearance increase compared with hyperoxemia (or 37% compared with group I normoxemia); laser-Doppler flowmetry signal increased 30%. The sum distribution of local hydrogen clearances shifted to the left during hyperoxemia and to the right after ritanserin. The conclusion from this study is that local and regional microflow changes can explain the effects of hyperoxemia and ritanserin on skeletal muscle oxygenation.