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Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse
Published on: March 8, 2013
In vivo real-time, multicolor, quantum dot lymphatic imaging.
Nobuyuki Kosaka1, Mikako Ogawa, Noriko Sato
1Molecular Imaging Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1088, USA.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|June 19, 2009
Summary
This study introduces a novel multicolor lymphatic imaging technique using quantum dots (Qdots) for real-time visualization of lymphatic networks. The method successfully maps up to five distinct lymphatic basins simultaneously in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Lymphatic System Research
- Nanotechnology Applications
Background:
- The lymphatic network's complexity hinders real-time in vivo visualization.
- Lymphatic flow direction is often unpredictable, especially in watershed areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for simultaneous, real-time, multicolor lymphatic imaging.
- To visualize up to five distinct lymphatic basins using quantum dots (Qdots).
Main Methods:
- Utilized cadmium-selenium quantum dots (Qdots) with distinct fluorescence emission.
- Injected five carboxyl-Qdots subdermally into mice at different sites.
- Employed a fluorescence imaging system for serial in vivo and in situ imaging.
Main Results:
- Successfully distinguished five distinct lymphatic basins in real-time using different Qdot colors.
- Lymphatic visualizations were maintained for at least 7 days.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of multicolor lymphatic imaging in mice.
Conclusions:
- This Qdot-based multicolor lymphatic imaging method offers a powerful tool for lymphatic research.
- Potential applications include studying lymphatic anatomy, flow dynamics, and aiding surgical procedures.
