Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Intravital Microscopy of the Mouse Brain Microcirculation using a Closed Cranial Window
Published on: November 18, 2010
Intravital microscopy of the mouse brain microcirculation using a closed cranial window
Pedro Cabrales1, Leonardo J M Carvalho
1Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, USA.
Abstract:
This experimental model was designed to assess the mouse pial microcirculation during acute and chronic, physiological and pathophysiological hemodynamic, inflammatory and metabolic conditions, using in vivo fluorescence microscopy. A closed cranial window is placed over the left parieto-occipital cortex of the mice. Local microcirculation is recorded in real time through the window using epi and fluorescence illumination, and measurements of vessels diameters and red blood cell (RBC) velocities are performed. RBC velocity is measured using real-time cross-correlation and/or fluorescent-labeled erythrocytes. Leukocyte and platelet adherence to pial vessels and assessment of perfusion and vascular leakage are made with the help of fluorescence-labeled markers such as Albumin-FITC and anti-CD45-TxR antibodies. Microcirculation can be repeatedly video-recorded over several days. We used for the first time the close window brain intravital microscopy to study the pial microcirculation to follow dynamic changes during the course of Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection in mice and show that expression of CM is associated with microcirculatory dysfunctions characterized by vasoconstriction, profound decrease in blood flow and eventually vascular collapse.
Insights
This study introduces a novel mouse model for assessing brain microcirculation using intravital microscopy. The model reveals that cerebral malaria (CM) causes severe blood flow disruptions, leading to vasoconstriction and vascular collapse.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Microcirculation Research
Background:
- Assessing mouse pial microcirculation is crucial for understanding brain pathophysiology.
- Existing methods have limitations in real-time, dynamic observation of microcirculatory changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an experimental model for in vivo assessment of mouse pial microcirculation.
- To investigate microcirculatory alterations during Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a closed cranial window technique for repeated intravital fluorescence microscopy.
- Measured vessel diameter, red blood cell (RBC) velocity, leukocyte/platelet adherence, and vascular leakage.
- Employed fluorescent markers (Albumin-FITC, anti-CD45-TxR) and labeled RBCs.
Main Results:
- The model successfully captured dynamic changes in pial microcirculation over several days.
- Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection led to significant microcirculatory dysfunction.
- Observed vasoconstriction, decreased blood flow, and vascular collapse associated with cerebral malaria (CM).
Conclusions:
- The developed closed window brain intravital microscopy is effective for studying dynamic microcirculation.
- Cerebral malaria is strongly associated with severe microcirculatory dysfunctions in mice.
- This model provides a valuable tool for investigating neuroinflammatory and hemodynamic changes in brain diseases.
More Related Videos
08:25Intravital Imaging of Fluorescent Protein Expression in Mice with a Closed-Skull Traumatic Brain Injury and Cranial Window Using a Two-Photon Microscope
Published on: April 21, 2023
06:31A Method for 2-Photon Imaging of Blood Flow in the Neocortex through a Cranial Window
Published on: February 25, 2008