抄録
Bathing in carbonated springs is considered to dilate skin blood vessels and increase blood flow. To improve circulation as a part of skin and health care, carbon dioxide was percutaneously supplied to skin by applying carbon dioxide sheets (containing 1000 ppm or higher carbon dioxide dissolved in water), and the microcirculatory dynamics was investigated. In healthy adult subjects, carbon dioxide sheets stored in a gas-impermeable container were applied to the flexor aspect of the forearm, and changes in the microcirculatory dynamics were investigated by direct observation of subepidermal microvessels using a Capillary Scope System equipped with a small sensor and a light source, which irradiates the skin surface with indirect light. The vascular diameter was measured, and the blood flow was measured by the venous obstruction method using infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the blood flow was measured by 2-dimensional image mapping using a laser speckle imaging system. Compared to sham sheets, the carbon dioxide sheets significantly increased the diameter of the subepidermal microvessels, and increased the skin blood flow from 5 minutes after the application. Development of commercial products using the sheets for the improvement of blood circulation for use in the skin and health care fields may be possible. [J Physiol Sci. 2007;57 Suppl:S196]
