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Updated: May 18, 2026
Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
Published on: February 20, 2019
Quantitative analysis of monocyte subpopulations in murine atherosclerotic plaques by multiphoton microscopy
Abigail S Haka1, Stephane Potteaux, Haley Fraser
1Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America.
Abstract:
The progressive accumulation of monocyte-derived cells in the atherosclerotic plaque is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. However, it is now appreciated that monocytes represent a heterogeneous circulating population of cells that differ in functionality. New approaches are needed to investigate the role of monocyte subpopulations in atherosclerosis since a detailed understanding of their differential mobilization, recruitment, survival and emigration during atherogenesis is of particular importance for development of successful therapeutic strategies. We present a novel methodology for the in vivo examination of monocyte subpopulations in mouse models of atherosclerosis. This approach combines cellular labeling by fluorescent beads with multiphoton microscopy to visualize and monitor monocyte subpopulations in living animals. First, we show that multiphoton microscopy is an accurate and timesaving technique to analyze monocyte subpopulation trafficking and localization in plaques in excised tissues. Next, we demonstrate that multiphoton microscopy can be used to monitor monocyte subpopulation trafficking in atherosclerotic plaques in living animals. This novel methodology should have broad applications and facilitate new insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases.
Insights
Researchers developed a new method using fluorescent beads and multiphoton microscopy to study different types of monocytes in living animals. This technique helps understand monocyte roles in atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Immunology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Monocyte accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques is a key feature of atherosclerosis.
- Circulating monocytes are heterogeneous, with distinct functionalities.
- Understanding monocyte subpopulation dynamics is crucial for developing atherosclerosis therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel methodology for in vivo examination of monocyte subpopulations in mouse models of atherosclerosis.
- To enable detailed investigation of monocyte differential mobilization, recruitment, survival, and emigration during atherogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Combination of cellular labeling with fluorescent beads and multiphoton microscopy.
- In vivo visualization and monitoring of monocyte subpopulations in living animals.
- Analysis of monocyte subpopulation trafficking and localization in excised atherosclerotic plaques.
Main Results:
- Multiphoton microscopy accurately and efficiently analyzes monocyte subpopulation trafficking in excised tissues.
- Multiphoton microscopy successfully monitors monocyte subpopulation trafficking within atherosclerotic plaques in living animals.
Conclusions:
- The developed methodology offers a novel approach for in vivo examination of monocyte subpopulations.
- This technique facilitates new insights into atherosclerosis pathogenesis and other inflammatory diseases.
- The approach has broad applications for studying cellular dynamics in disease models.
