Microvascular Function in Patients Undergoing 5-Fluorouracil Chemotherapy

Measured using an automated non-invasive finger cuff that obtains beat-by-beat blood pressure measurements via finger photoplesmography. Briefly, changes in artery diameter are detected through infrared light in the finger cuff. (Finometer Pro, FMS, The Netherlands).

Assessed non-invasively in the forearm skin via Laser Doppler flowmetry in response to locally delivered acetylcholine and norepinepherine or phenylepherine via iontophoresis.

A GE Ultrasound System will be used to non-invasively assess brachial artery blood flow prior to and following a standard flow mediated dilation protocol.

A venous blood sample from the antecubital vein or a vein in the back of the hand will be taken via venipuncure by a nurse or a certified phlebotomist at the beginning of the experimental visit. These blood samples will be analyzed for the presence of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory markers.