Stereoscopic visualization and quantification of auricular cartilage regeneration in rabbits using multiphoton...

Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) was applied for imaging and quantifying the elastic cartilage regeneration tissue in a rabbit ear model without using labeling agents. Morphology of cells and collagen matrix were analysis, showing significant difference between regenerated and intact cartilage in cellular size and collagen distribution. The results demonstrate that high resolution images provide by MPM are consistent with the histological results, and show additional biological behavior which is not visible in standard histology. Advantages in instrumentation may lead to the application of MPM for intravital detection and treatment.