Measurement of cerebral blood flow in the pig by the Xe-133 clearance technique

Abstract

The Xe-133 clearance technique is used to measure cerebral blood flow in the pig, which often serves as an experimental animal for cardiovascular research. The clearance curves are fitted by a two-exponential model. However, the fitted parameters are incompatible with a two-compartmental model: the values found for the parameters depend on the length of the clearance curve analysed. The discrepancies are thought to be consequences of the heterogeneity of cerebral blood flow and of mathematical problems of parameter identification. The non-validity of the relative weight of the fast clearance component as an anatomical or functional parameter is demonstrated.