Indocyanine green and lymphatic imaging: current problems
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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse
Published on: March 8, 2013
Anatoliy A Gashev1, Takashi Nagai, Eric A Bridenbaugh
1Department of Systems Biology and Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Lymphatic Biology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, Texas 76504, USA. gashev@tamu.edu
Background:
Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) has recently been presented as a comparatively easy and informative technique to image lymphatic channels in vivo. However, no data or references have been provided concerning the impact of ICG application on normal lymphatic contractility and lymph transport. Thus, the imaging agent and/or the method of administration may introduce a significant artifact.
Methods And Results:
Standard pharmacological tests were performed to investigate the influence of ICG on the spontaneous contractility of isolated, cannulated, and pressurized rat mesenteric lymphatic vessels. The data demonstrate that non-irradiated ICG dramatically and dynamically influences the contractility of rat lymphatic vessels in both a dose- and diluent-dependent manner with low ICG concentrations principally altering contractile frequency and higher ICG concentrations completely blocking lymphatic contractility.
Conclusions:
Currently, both researchers and doctors should exercise caution in extrapolating the data obtained with ICG imaging to normal lymphatic function regardless of whether it was obtained in mice, pigs, or humans. Careful and extended pharmacological tests must be performed to evaluate the mechanism of action of ICG on the contractility and physiology of lymphatic vessels with consideration of dose, diluent, and duration of irradiation.