A theoretical approach to the estimation of tissue flows using tritiated water as indicator.

An alternative method for the determination of flow rates to individual organs or tissues that collectively comprises experimental isolated preparations is described. The isolated hindlimb constitutes a good example of such an experimental preparation. After injecting a bolus dose of tritiated water to the arterial side, the amount of marker (tritiated water) remaining in different tissues at various time is determined. From these experimental data, the regional flow rate to individual tissues can be estimated, applying either a physiological model approach or statistical moment theory.