[Laser-Doppler velocimetry on the optic nerve head and hemorheology. Animal experiments. First results in humans].

We study capillary microcirculation on the optic nerve head and its interrelation with blood rheological modifications. The mean maximal velocity has been evaluated in the capillaries of the rabbit optic nerve with a laser doppler velocimeter, in physiological conditions and after intravenous Dextrane 250 injections. Dextrane 250 increases red blood cells aggregation and induces blood hyperviscosity at low flow rates. This hyperaggregation is determined with a reflectometric method. Experimental results show a significant reduction of blood velocity when blood viscosity increases. In our present study, we compare blood capillaries flow rate in the optic nerve, between two groups: healthy humans and subjects suffering from glaucoma. The aggregation level is simultaneously measured for the two groups. First results seem to prove that blood flow rate decrease is associated with red blood cells aggregation increase for the second group.