Effects of venous pulsation were examined in the regional perfusion of the dog's hind leg at various venous pressures.
In depleting stage with -18cmH2O venous pressure, the venous pulsation was effective in a decrease of peripheral resistance ratio and in an increase of oxygen consumption ratio.
In optimum stage with +2cmH2O venous pressure, the venous pulsation was effective only in an increase of oxygen consumption ratio.
In congestive stage with +10cmH2O venous pressure, there were no differences in resistance and oxygen consumption ratio between pulsation and nonpulsation side.
We believe that addition of venous pulsation brings about intermittent elevation of venous pressure which is necessary for opening the precapillary sphincter.
