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Intravital Microscopy of the Microcirculation in the Mouse Cremaster Muscle for the Analysis of Peripheral Stem Cell Migration
Published on: November 5, 2013
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Intravital Microscopy in the Cremaster Muscle Microcirculation for Endothelial Dysfunction Studies.
Cristina Rius1, María J Sanz2,3
1Laboratory of Molecular and Genetic Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Vascular Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid, Spain. crius@cnic.es.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|October 9, 2015
Summary
Intravital microscopy in mouse cremaster muscle visualizes in vivo blood cell-endothelial interactions and vessel function. This technique studies leukocyte recruitment and drug responses in microcirculation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Microcirculation Research
- Immunology
Background:
- Intravital microscopy is crucial for observing real-time biological processes.
- Understanding leukocyte-endothelial interactions is key to inflammatory and immune responses.
- The mouse cremaster muscle model offers accessible microcirculation for in vivo studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a detailed protocol for intravital microscopy in the mouse cremaster muscle.
- To highlight the utility of this technique for studying leukocyte recruitment.
- To demonstrate its application in assessing vascular function and drug effects.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing intravital microscopy to visualize the mouse cremaster muscle microcirculation.
- Observing leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions throughout the recruitment cascade (rolling, adhesion, crawling, migration).
- Measuring hemodynamic parameters like shear stress and flow rate, alongside vascular events.
Main Results:
- The protocol enables detailed visualization of leukocyte behavior in postcapillary venules and arterioles.
- Vessel functionality and responses to stimuli can be quantitatively assessed.
- The method allows for in vivo study of drug mechanisms on blood cell interactions.
Conclusions:
- Intravital microscopy of the mouse cremaster muscle is a versatile technique for studying microcirculation.
- It provides a powerful platform for investigating leukocyte recruitment and vascular dynamics.
- This protocol facilitates research into inflammatory diseases and therapeutic interventions.
