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Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse
Published on: March 8, 2013
Indocyanine green and lymphatic imaging: current problems
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
Lymphatic Research and Biology
|June 30, 2010
Summary
Indocyanine green (ICG) imaging affects lymphatic vessel contractility. Researchers must use caution when interpreting ICG imaging data due to its impact on normal lymphatic function.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) is a popular technique for visualizing lymphatic channels in vivo.
- However, the impact of ICG administration on normal lymphatic contractility and lymph transport remains largely uncharacterized, raising concerns about potential artifacts in imaging studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of indocyanine green (ICG) on the spontaneous contractility of isolated rat mesenteric lymphatic vessels.
- To determine if ICG application introduces artifacts that could affect the interpretation of lymphatic imaging studies.
Main Methods:
- Isolated, cannulated, and pressurized rat mesenteric lymphatic vessels were subjected to standard pharmacological tests.
- The spontaneous contractility of these vessels was measured in the presence of varying concentrations and diluents of ICG.
Main Results:
- Non-irradiated ICG significantly and dynamically altered lymphatic vessel contractility in a dose- and diluent-dependent manner.
- Low ICG concentrations primarily affected contractile frequency, while higher concentrations completely inhibited lymphatic contractility.
- These findings indicate that ICG itself can interfere with normal lymphatic function.
Conclusions:
- Caution is advised when extrapolating data from ICG imaging studies (in any species) to understand normal lymphatic function.
- Further comprehensive pharmacological studies are necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which ICG affects lymphatic vessel contractility and physiology, considering factors like dose, diluent, and irradiation duration.