Chapter 14. Assessment of arteriogenesis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Mouse Models
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Evaluating arterial circulation in mice is crucial for understanding cardiovascular development and disease.
• Existing methods offer insights into both anatomical structure and functional perfusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of techniques for assessing arterial circulation in adult mice.
• To discuss the application and utility of various imaging modalities.

Main Methods:

• Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) angiography
• Fluorescent angiography
• Laser-Doppler perfusion imaging
• Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging
• Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques

Main Results:

• These techniques allow for detailed anatomical assessment of the arterial network.
• Functional evaluation of blood flow and perfusion is achievable with specific imaging modalities.
• The choice of technique depends on the specific research question regarding arterial circulation.

Conclusions:

• A range of advanced imaging techniques are available for comprehensive arterial circulation assessment in mice.
• These methods are essential tools for researchers studying cardiovascular physiology and pathology in mouse models.
• Understanding the capabilities of each technique enables effective experimental design.