Imaging of cerebrospinal fluid space and movement of hydrocephalus mice using near infrared fluorescence

We have studied optical imaging of mice cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space and flow using near infrared (NIR) fluorescence. We applied our method to image CSF space and flow in a mice hydrocephalus model. Hydrocephalus was induced in mice with intracranial injections of transforming growth factor. Hydrocephalic and control mice were imaged using our NIR fluorescence imaging system. Hydrocephalic mice showed diminished intracranial CSF flow. Our system is sufficient to show altered CSF flow in a mouse hydrocephalus model. Optical imaging using near infrared is an effective modality to image CSF space and movement.