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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Intravital Microscopy of the Mouse Brain Microcirculation using a Closed Cranial Window
Published on: November 18, 2010
Intravital microscopy on a closed cranial window in mice: a model to study trigeminovascular mechanisms involved in
S Gupta1, S Akerman, A M J M van den Maagdenberg
1Department of Pharmacology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to develop a mouse model to study trigeminovascular mechanisms using intravital microscopy on a closed cranial window. In addition, we studied exogenous and endogenous calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-mediated vasodilation in dural arteries. Arteries in C57BL/6Jico mice were constricted with endothelin-1, which reduced the baseline diameter by 65-75%. Subsequently, vasodilation was induced by alpha-CGRP, capsaicin or transcranial electrical stimulation of perivascular trigeminal nerves in the absence or presence of different concentrations of BIBN4096BS or sumatriptan. Both alpha-CGRP and capsaicin induced vasodilation in preconstricted arteries. Transcranial electrical stimulation also induced current-dependent relaxation of dural arteries with 100 microA producing maximal dilation in the control group. BIBN4096BS blocked the responses evoked by alpha-CGRP and capsaicin, as well as electrical stimulation, whereas sumatriptan attenuated only vasodilation induced by electrical stimulation. This model is likely to prove useful in dissecting elements of the trigeminovascular system and for exploring pathophysiological aspects of migraine, especially in future studies using transgenic mice with mutations relevant to those observed in patients with migraine.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel mouse model for trigeminovascular research using intravital microscopy. This model effectively studies calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-mediated vasodilation, crucial for understanding migraine mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vascular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The trigeminovascular system plays a key role in migraine pathophysiology.
- Understanding CGRP-mediated vasodilation in dural arteries is essential for developing effective migraine treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a mouse model for studying trigeminovascular mechanisms using intravital microscopy.
- To investigate exogenous and endogenous calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-mediated vasodilation in dural arteries.
Main Methods:
- Developed a closed cranial window in C57BL/6Jico mice for intravital microscopy.
- Constricted dural arteries using endothelin-1.
- Induced vasodilation using alpha-CGRP, capsaicin, or transcranial electrical stimulation.
- Administered BIBN4096BS or sumatriptan to assess their effects on vasodilation.
Main Results:
- Both alpha-CGRP and capsaicin induced significant vasodilation in preconstricted dural arteries.
- Transcranial electrical stimulation produced current-dependent relaxation, with maximal dilation at 100 microA.
- BIBN4096BS effectively blocked vasodilation induced by alpha-CGRP, capsaicin, and electrical stimulation.
- Sumatriptan only attenuated vasodilation caused by electrical stimulation.
Conclusions:
- The developed mouse model is suitable for dissecting trigeminovascular system elements.
- This model offers a valuable platform for exploring migraine pathophysiology, particularly in future studies with genetically modified mice.
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