Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effects of polyethylene oxide (PEO) on blood perfusion in hind limb skeletal muscles in a
rat model of chronic hind limb ischemia. Methods Twelve rat models of chronic hind limb ischemia established by unilateral
femoral artery ligation were randomized into PEO and control groups (n=6) and treated with intravenous infusion of PEO and
saline through the internal jugular vein every other day for 2 weeks. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed after
the treatments to evaluate the blood flow in the skeletal muscles at different time points and blood flow reserve in the ischemic
hind limbs on day 28. Results Starting from 7 days after femoral artery ligation, blood flow in the ischemic hind limb skeletal
muscles was significantly higher in PEO group than in the control group (P<0.05). On day 28, blood flow reserve in the
ischemic hind limb was significantly higher (P=0.012), and blood volume was significantly increased in PEO group as
compared that in the control group (P=0.024). Conclusions PEO can increase blood flow, blood flow reserve and vascular
volume in the hind limb skeletal muscles in rats with chronic hind limb ischemia, suggesting that PEO can promote
angiogenesis and arterial formation by increasing blood flow shear stress to improve blood supply of ischemic hind limbs.