title: In vivo image analysis using iRFP transgenic mice.
abstract: Fluorescent proteins with light wavelengths within the optical window are one of the improvements in in vivo imaging techniques. Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent protein (iRFP) is a stable, nontoxic protein that emits fluorescence within the NIR optical window without the addition of exogenous substrate. However, studies utilizing an in vivo iRFP model have not yet been published. Here, we report the generation of transgenic iRFP mice with ubiquitous NIR fluorescence expression. iRFP expression was observed in approximately 50% of the offspring from a matings between iRFP transgenic and WT mice. The serum and blood cell indices and body weights of iRFP mice were similar to those of WT mice. Red fluorescence with an excitation wavelength of 690 nm and an emission wavelength of 713 nm was detected in both newborn and adult iRFP mice. We also detected fluorescence emission in whole organs of the iRFP mice, including the brain, heart, liver, kidney, spleen, lung, pancreas, bone, testis, thymus, and adipose tissue. Therefore, iRFP transgenic mice may therefore be a useful tool for various types of in vivo imaging.
authors: Department of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1, Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
authors: Mai Thi Nhu
authors: MT
authors: Tran
authors: Junko
authors: J
authors: Tanaka
authors: Michito
authors: M
authors: Hamada
authors: Yuka
authors: Y
authors: Sugiyama
authors: Shota
authors: S
authors: Sakaguchi
authors: Megumi
authors: M
authors: Nakamura
authors: Satoru
authors: S
authors: Takahashi
authors: Yoshihiro
authors: Y
authors: Miwa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D051598:Whole Body Imaging / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D008164:Luminescent Proteins