A laser Doppler velocimetry study of the effect of hypoglycaemia on retinal blood flow in the minipig

Abstract

The effect of acute hypoglycaemia (plasma glucose <2.2mmol/l) on retinal venous blood flow in the minipig has been determined using bidirectional laser Doppler velocimetry and red free retinal photography. In six pigs the mean flow in a retinal vein increased from 19.3 (±2.8 SEM) μl/min to 29.7 (±7.5) μl/min during hypoglycaemia (p<0.05) with a return to 18.6 (±3.6) μl/min when euglycaemia was restored. Retinal blood flow is affected by hypoglycaemia or its haemodynamic consequences. © 1990 Springer-Verlag.