Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
06:40
Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography for Functional Imaging in Vascular Research
Published on: June 8, 2022
2.3K
Functional-Optical Coherence Tomography: A Non-invasive Approach to Assess the Sympathetic Nervous System and
Nicholas G Jendzjowsky1, Craig D Steinback2, Robert J Herman3
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Frontiers in Physiology
|October 2, 2019
Summary
Functional-OCT imaging of choroid vascular perfusion density offers a non-invasive method to assess sympathetic nervous system activity, outperforming heart rate variability in correlation with microneurography. This technique may aid in evaluating autonomic function and vascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Sympathetic nervous system (SNA) dysregulation and vascular impairment are key features of cardiorespiratory diseases.
- Current methods for assessing SNA and vascular regulation are invasive or inconvenient, limiting clinical and research applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) can assess sympathetic activity and vascular responsiveness.
- To develop a quick, easy, and non-invasive index for sympathetic activity using OCT.
Main Methods:
- Compared choroid and retina vascular perfusion density (VPD) via OCT with heart rate variability (HRV) and microneurography in 11 healthy adults.
- Assessed responses to physiological challenges including cold pressor test, hypoxia, breath-hold, hyperoxia, and hyperpnea.
Main Results:
- Choroid VPD decreased with sympathetic activation (cold pressor, hypoxia, breath-hold) and increased with parasympathetic dominance (hyperoxia, hyperpnea).
- Retina VPD showed metabolic regulation patterns, unaffected by cold pressor test but responsive to respiratory challenges.
- Choroid VPD demonstrated a strong inverse correlation (R = -0.76; p < 0.0001) with muscle sympathetic nerve activity, while HRV showed low predictive power.
Conclusions:
- Functional-OCT provides a novel, non-invasive approach to assess sympathetic activity and intrinsic vascular responsiveness (autoregulation).
- This technique holds potential for broad clinical and research applications in autonomic function and cardiovascular/cardiorespiratory diseases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
282
DefinitionRenal angiography, also known as renal arteriography, is an imaging technique used to obtain a comprehensive view of blood flow and the vascular structure of blood vessels in the kidneys and surrounding areas.PurposeRenal angiography detects blood vessel abnormalities in the kidneys, such as aneurysms, stenosis, thrombosis, vascular tumors, and renal artery stenosis. It evaluates kidney function and guides interventional treatments like angioplasty or stent placement.Pre-Procedure...
282
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
291
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
291
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
248
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
248
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
1.5K
Understanding and evaluating diffusion and perfusion is critical in assessing a patient's respiratory and circulatory health. These processes play key roles in maintaining the body's internal environment, ensuring that tissues receive adequate oxygen while waste products are efficiently removed.
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
1.5K
01:17Autoregulation of Blood Flow
7.4K
Autoregulation mechanisms are characterized by their inherent capacity for self-regulation without necessitating specific nervous stimulation or endocrine control. These mechanisms facilitate the adjustment of blood flow and, therefore, perfusion specific to each tissue region. This self-regulation encompasses chemical signals and myogenic controls.
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation....
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation....
7.4K