title: A new method for in vivo visualization of vessel remodeling using a near-infrared dye.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Vascular obstructive events can be partially compensated for by remodeling processes that increase vessel diameter and collateral tortuosity. However, methods for visualizing remodeling events in vivo and with temporal comparisons from the same animal remain elusive.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a novel infrared conjugated polyethylene glycol dye, we investigated the possibility of intravital vascular imaging of the mouse ear before and after ligation of the primary feeder artery. For comparison, we used two different mouse models known to have impaired vascular remodeling after ligation (i.e., aged and PAI-1(-/-) mice). The results obtained with the infrared dye were confirmed using immunofluorescence labeling of the ear microvasculature with confocal microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After ligation, increases in vessel diameter (between 10% and 60%) and tortuosity (approximately 15%) were observed in C57Bl/6 mice using both the infrared dye and the immunofluorescence technique. However, aged C57Bl/6 and PAI-1(-/-) mice did not show vascular remodeling following ligation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vascular remodeling can be visualized and accurately quantified using a new infrared dye in vivo. This analysis technique could be generally employed for quantitative investigations of changes in vascular remodeling.
authors.affiliation: Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Billaud
authors.forename: Jeremy A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Greyson
authors.forename: Anthony C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Bruce
authors.forename: Scott A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Seaman
authors.forename: Katherine R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Heberlein
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Angela K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Best
authors.forename: Shayn M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Peirce
authors.forename: Brant E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Isakson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008026:Ligation; D008722:Methods; D051379:Mice; D015335:Molecular Probes / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents; D015335:Molecular Probes