Perfusion of the isolated rat hind limb. An analysis of the technique.

We have studied critically the validity, reproducibility, and possible limitations of the rat hind limb perfusion technique under constant flow conditions. Of all the variables studied, bolus size, order of dose administration, perfusion pressure, rat temperature, perfusate temperature, perfusate type, rat age, and rat sex, we found that time is an important limitation in the use of this technique when oxygenated standard physiological salt solutions are used. This limitation may be minimized when a colloid is added to the perfusing medium or eliminated when the perfusion time is no longer than 60 min.