Visualization of skin microvascular dysfunction of type 1 diabetic mice using in vivo skin optical clearing method

To realize visualization of the skin microvascular dysfunction of type 1 diabetic mice, we combined laser speckle contrast imaging and hyperspectral imaging to simultaneously monitor the noradrenaline (NE)-induced responses of vascular blood flow and blood oxygen with the development of diabetes through optical clearing skin window. The main results showed that venous and arterious blood flow decreased without recovery after injection of NE; furthermore, the decrease of arterious blood oxygen induced by NE greatly weakened, especially for 2- and 4-week diabetic mice. This change in vasoconstricting effect of NE was related to the expression of α1-adrenergic receptor. This study demonstrated that skin microvascular function was a potential research biomarker for early warning in the occurrence and development of diabetes. The in vivo skin optical clearing method provides a feasible solution to realize visualization of cutaneous microvessels for monitoring microvascular reactivity under pathological conditions. In addition, visual monitoring of skin microvascular function response has guiding significance for early diagnosis of diabetes and clinical research.