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Longitudinal deep-brain imaging in mouse using visible-light optical coherence tomography through chronic microprism
Lisa Beckmann1,2, Xian Zhang1,3,2, Neil A Nadkarni4
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston IL 60208, USA.
Biomedical Optics Express
|October 25, 2019
Summary
Researchers used visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) to observe mouse brain microvessels after surgery and stroke. They found microvessels recovered within 15 days and showed varied responses to stroke at different depths.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Investigating cortical microvascular networks is crucial for understanding brain health and disease.
- Visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) offers high-resolution imaging capabilities.
- Longitudinal studies are needed to track dynamic changes in microvasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally image superficial and deep cortical microvascular networks in mice.
- To assess microvascular recovery after surgical implantation and subsequent stroke induction.
- To characterize microvascular responses to ischemic stroke at different cortical depths.
Main Methods:
- Utilized visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) for in vivo imaging.
- Employed a microprism and chronic cranial window for deep cortical access.
- Induced ischemic stroke using transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in a mouse model.
Main Results:
- Cortical microvessels required approximately 15 days to recover from microprism implantation surgery.
- Observed distinct microvascular responses to tMCAO at superficial and deep cortical levels.
- Characterized both acute and chronic phases of microvascular changes post-stroke.
Conclusions:
- The microprism and cranial window system enables effective longitudinal vis-OCT imaging of the entire mouse cortex.
- This technique is suitable for studying microvascular disorders, including stroke.
- Demonstrated depth-dependent microvascular alterations following ischemic stroke.
