In-vivo Fourier domain optical coherence tomography as a new tool for investigation of vasodynamics in the mouse model.
In-vivo imaging of the vascular system can provide novel insight into the dynamics of vasoconstriction and vasodilation. Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) is an optical, noncontact imaging technique based on interferometry of short-coherent near-infrared light with axial resolution of less than 10 microm. In this study, we apply FD-OCT as an in-vivo imaging technique to investigate blood vessels in their anatomical context using temporally resolved image stacks. Our chosen model system is the murine saphenous artery and vein, due to their small inner vessel diameters, sensitive response to vasoactive stimuli, and advantageous anatomical position. The vascular function of male wild-type mice (C57BL/6) is determined at the ages of 6 and 20 weeks. Vasoconstriction is analyzed in response to dermal application of potassium (K(+)), and vasodilation in response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Vasodynamics are quantified from time series (75 sec, 4 frames per sec, 330 x 512 pixels per frame) of cross sectional images that are analyzed by semiautomated image processing software. The morphology of the saphenous artery and vein is determined by 3-D image stacks of 512 x 512 x 512 pixels. Using the FD-OCT technique, we are able to demonstrate age-dependent differences in vascular function and vasodynamics.
Meissner
Sven
S
University of Technology, Dresden, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Fetscherstrasse 74, Dresden 01307, Germany. Sven.Meissner@tu-dresden.de
Müller
Gregor
G
Walther
Julia
J
Morawietz
Henning
H
Koch
Edmund
E
D000818:Animals; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009599:Nitroprusside / Q000494:pharmacology; D011188:Potassium / Q000494:pharmacology; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000502:physiology; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods*; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D009599:Nitroprusside; D011188:Potassium