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Updated: May 18, 2026
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Intravital Microscopy for Imaging Subcellular Structures in Live Mice Expressing Fluorescent Proteins
Published on: September 1, 2013
Intravital microscopy to image membrane trafficking in live rats
Andrius Masedunskas1, Monika Sramkova, Laura Parente
1Intracellular Membrane Trafficking Unit, Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|October 3, 2012
Summary
This study details methods for imaging tiny structures like vesicles within live rat salivary glands using intravital microscopy. Researchers used fluorescent tags to visualize these subcellular components in real-time.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy Techniques
- Animal Models
Background:
- Intravital microscopy is crucial for observing dynamic biological processes in vivo.
- Visualizing subcellular structures in live animals presents technical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish procedures for imaging subcellular structures in live rat salivary glands.
- To demonstrate the utility of fluorescent labeling for real-time visualization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized intravital microscopy for live animal imaging.
- Employed fluorescently labeled molecules and proteins.
- Transiently transfected fluorescent tags into live rats.
Main Results:
- Successfully imaged endosomes and secretory vesicles within rat salivary glands.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of visualizing subcellular dynamics in vivo.
- Established a protocol for high-resolution live imaging.
Conclusions:
- The described procedures enable detailed visualization of subcellular components in live animal models.
- This technique advances the study of cellular processes in their native environment.
- Offers a valuable tool for salivary gland research and beyond.
