Spectroscopic imaging of arteries and atherosclerotic plaques.
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic imaging using a focal plane array detector has been used to study atherosclerotic arteries with a spatial resolution of 3-4 microm, i.e., at a level that is comparable with cellular dimensions. Such high spatial resolution is made possible using a micro-attenuated total reflection (ATR) germanium objective with a high refractive index and therefore high numerical aperture. This micro-ATR approach has enabled small structures within the vessel wall to be imaged for the first time by FTIR. Structures observed include the elastic lamellae of the tunica media and a heterogeneous distribution of small clusters of cholesterol esters within an atherosclerotic lesion, which may correspond to foam cells. A macro-ATR imaging method was also applied, which involves the use of a diamond macro-ATR accessory. This study of atherosclerosis is presented as an illustrative example of the wider potential of these ATR imaging approaches for cardiovascular medicine and biomedical applications.
Colley
C S
CS
Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ United Kingdom.
Kazarian
S G
SG
Weinberg
P D
PD
Lever
M J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000032:analysis; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000473:pathology
D002784:Cholesterol