In vivo photoacoustic imaging of mouse embryos.
The ability to noninvasively image embryonic vascular anatomy in mouse models is an important requirement for characterizing the development of the normal cardiovascular system and malformations in the heart and vascular supply. Photoacoustic imaging, which can provide high resolution non invasive images of the vasculature based upon optical absorption by endogenous hemoglobin, is well suited to this application. In this study, photoacoustic images of mouse embryos were obtained ex vivo and in vivo. The images show intricate details of the embryonic vascular system to depths of up to 10 mm, which allowed whole embryos to be imaged in situ. To achieve this, an all-optical photoacoustic scanner and a novel time reversal image reconstruction algorithm, which provide deep tissue imaging capability while maintaining high spatial resolution and contrast were employed. This technology may find application as an imaging tool for preclinical embryo studies in developmental biology as well as more generally in preclinical and clinical medicine for studying pathologies characterized by changes in the vasculature.
University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
Jan
J
Laufer
Francesca
F
Norris
Jon
J
Cleary
Edward
E
Zhang
Bradley
B
Treeby
Ben
B
Cox
Peter
P
Johnson
Pete
P
Scambler
Mark
M
Lythgoe
Paul
P
Beard
D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000196:embryology; D015509:Developmental Biology / Q000379:methods; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007368:Interferometry / Q000379:methods; D051379:Mice; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D061088:Photoacoustic Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D019076:Transgenes
D006454:Hemoglobins