Bleeding and carotid closure times.

Bleeding time was measured in animals anesthetized by isofluorane inhalation. A small fragment of the tail (approx. 5 mm) was excised and the tail immersed in isotonic buffer at 37°C, recording the time until bleeding stopped. The carotid closure time was determined by placing a small piece of paper (∼1 mm2) soaked with 2% FeCl3 onto the artery for two minutes and the blood flow was continuously monitored. A closure time was defined as the time needed for the blood flow be stopped at least for three minutes. The number of observations is shown in parentheses.