title: In vivo microscopy of microvessel oxygenation and network connections.
abstract: Abnormal or compromised microvascular function is a key component of various diseases. In vivo microscopy of microvessel function in preclinical models can be useful for the study of a disease state and effects of new treatments. Wide-field imaging of microvascular oxygenation via hemoglobin (Hb) saturation measurements has been applied in various applications alone and in combination with other measures of microvessel function, such as blood flow. However, most current combined imaging methods of microvessel function do not provide direct information on microvessel network connectivity or changes in connections and blood flow pathways. First-pass fluorescence (FPF) imaging of a systemically administered fluorescent contrast agent can be used to directly image blood flow pathways and connections relative to a local supplying arteriole in a quantitative manner through measurement of blood supply time (BST). Here, we demonstrate the utility of information produced by the combination of Hb saturation measurements via spectral imaging with BST measurements via FPF imaging for correlation of microvessel oxygenation with blood flow pathways and connections throughout a local network. Specifically, we show network pathway effects on oxygen transport in normal microvessels, dynamic changes associated with wound healing, and pathological effects of abnormal angiogenesis in tumor growth and development.
authors.affiliation: J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. Electronic address: jalee2@ufl.edu.
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., Tucson, AZ 85755, USA.
authors.forename: Raymond T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Kozikowski
authors.affiliation: National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Brian S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Sorg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D000069416:Intravital Microscopy; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D008833:Microcirculation; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D055806:Microvessels / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry*; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006454:Hemoglobins; D008081:Liposomes; D010100:Oxygen
keywords: Angiogenesis; Cancer; Fluorescence; In vivo; Microscopy; Spectral imaging; Tumor; Wound healing