Procedures and applications of long-term intravital microscopy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Microscopy
• Cell biology

Background:

• Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a powerful technique for studying dynamic cellular processes in vivo.
• Long-term IVM enables longitudinal studies of cell migration and proliferation without repeated surgeries.
• Specialized imaging windows are required for chronic IVM in organs beyond the skin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of long-term intravital microscopy in biomedical research.
• To describe the implantation procedures, advantages, and disadvantages of various imaging windows (AIW, DIW, CIW).
• To discuss fluorescent biosensors and future improvements for long-term IVM.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on long-term intravital microscopy techniques.
• Description of surgical procedures for abdominal, dermal, and cranial imaging window implantation.
• Discussion of methods for positional tracking and fluorescent biosensor applications.

Main Results:

• Established methods for long-term IVM using specialized imaging windows in various organs.
• Detailed comparison of the pros and cons of different imaging window implantation techniques.
• Overview of fluorescent biosensors for tracking cell migration and proliferation.

Conclusions:

• Long-term IVM, facilitated by advanced imaging windows and biosensors, significantly enhances in vivo cellular studies.
• The described techniques allow for non-invasive, longitudinal monitoring of cellular dynamics in organs like the liver, brain, and mammary gland.
• Future developments promise further improvements in long-term intravital microscopy capabilities.