Applications
Wheal and Flare Response (WFR)
The wheal and flare response (WFR) is the common reference to the triple response described by Lewis; erythema at site of injury, a spreading flare in the surrounding skin followed by pallor around the centre, as oedema develops due to leaking capillaries.
Wheal and flare response (WFR) can be induced by local introduction of histamine into the skin by lancet, intra-dermal injection or by micro-dialysis. The microvascular blood flow response is most graphically visualised by laser Doppler imaging or speckle imaging and enables the investigation of mechanisms of wheal and flare response (WFR) and treatments that inhibit it.
Repeat imaging of the wheal and flare microvascular response to microdialysis of histamine in the forearm. Image reproduced with kind permission of Professors Church and Clough, Southampton.
Wheal and flare microvascular response to microdialysis of histamine in the forearm. Image reproduced with kind permission of Professors Church and Clough, Southampton.
Equipment Recommendations
Laser Doppler imaging has been used historically and could still be used. However, the high spatial and time resolution offered by moorFLPI-2 laser speckle contrast imager make it the ideal system.
Laser Speckle Contrast Imager
moorFLPI-2
Full-field, video frame rate blood flow imaging
What Next?
Contact us to discuss your specific needs and to request your copy of our free Application Note which includes a detailed experimental method and practical suggestions. We also offer no obligation on-site visits so you can test the equipment in your facility.