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In vivo two-photon microscopy to 1.6-mm depth in mouse cortex
Demirhan Kobat1, Nicholas G Horton, Chris Xu
1Cornell University, School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA. dk287@cornell.edu
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|October 28, 2011
Summary
This study demonstrates deep tissue in vivo two-photon fluorescence imaging of mouse cortical vasculature, achieving a record 1.6 mm depth. This advancement approaches the fundamental limit for imaging in scattering biological tissue.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Optics
- Microscopy
Background:
- In vivo imaging of the brain's vasculature is crucial for understanding neurological functions and diseases.
- Current deep tissue imaging techniques face limitations due to light scattering in biological tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present deep tissue in vivo two-photon fluorescence imaging of cortical vasculature in a mouse brain.
- To achieve a record imaging depth using specific excitation wavelengths.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 1280-nm excitation for two-photon fluorescence imaging.
- Performed imaging deep within the mouse cortex in vivo.
Main Results:
- Achieved a record imaging depth of 1.6 mm in the mouse cortex.
- Demonstrated imaging capabilities approaching the fundamental depth limit in scattering tissue.
Conclusions:
- 1280-nm excitation enables unprecedented deep tissue imaging of the mouse brain's vasculature.
- The achieved depth signifies a major step towards non-invasive, in vivo brain research at greater depths.
