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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Whole-Kidney Three-Dimensional Staining with CUBIC
Published on: July 18, 2022
Real-time histological imaging of kidneys stained with food dyes using multiphoton microscopy
Yasuaki Nagao1, Kazushi Kimura1,2, Shujie Wang1
1Department of Neural Regeneration and Cell Communication, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan.
Abstract:
We have developed a real-time imaging technique for diagnosis of kidney diseases which is composed of two steps, staining renal cells safely with food dyes and optical sectioning of living renal tissue to obtain histological images by multiphoton microscopy (MPM). Here, we demonstrated that the MPM imaging with food dyes, including erythrosine and indigo carmine, could be used as fluorescent agents to visualize renal functions and structures such as glomerular bloodstreams, glomerular filtration, and morphology of glomeruli and renal tubules. We also showed that the kidneys of IgA nephropathy model-mice stained with the food dyes presented histopathological characteristics different from those observed in normal kidneys. The use of the food dyes enhances the quality of tissue images obtained by MPM and offers the potential to contribute to a clinical real-time diagnosis of kidney diseases.
Insights
This study introduces a novel real-time kidney disease diagnosis method using food dyes and multiphoton microscopy (MPM) for enhanced imaging. This technique visualizes kidney structures and functions, aiding in early disease detection.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of kidney diseases is crucial for effective treatment.
- Current diagnostic methods may be invasive or lack real-time imaging capabilities.
- Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) offers high-resolution imaging of biological tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a safe, real-time imaging technique for kidney disease diagnosis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of food dyes as fluorescent agents in MPM for renal imaging.
- To assess the potential of this technique for clinical applications in diagnosing kidney diseases.
Main Methods:
- A two-step imaging technique involving safe staining of renal cells with food dyes (erythrosine, indigo carmine).
- Optical sectioning of living renal tissue using multiphoton microscopy (MPM).
- Histopathological analysis of IgA nephropathy model-mice kidneys compared to normal kidneys.
Main Results:
- Food dyes effectively visualized renal functions and structures, including glomerular blood flow, filtration, and tissue morphology.
- MPM imaging with food dyes revealed distinct histopathological differences in IgA nephropathy model-mice kidneys.
- Enhanced image quality was achieved, facilitating clearer visualization of renal tissues.
Conclusions:
- Food dyes can serve as safe and effective fluorescent agents for MPM-based renal imaging.
- This technique provides real-time visualization of kidney structures and functions, aiding in disease diagnosis.
- The developed method shows significant potential for clinical application in real-time kidney disease diagnosis.
