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Intravital Microscopy of Tumor-associated Vasculature Using Advanced Dorsal Skinfold Window Chambers on Transgenic Fluorescent Mice
Published on: January 19, 2018
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Intravital microscopy of tumor vessel morphology and function using a standard fluorescence microscope
Jon-Vidar Gaustad1, Trude G Simonsen2, Lise Mari K Hansem2
1Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4953 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway. jon.vidar.gaustad@rr-research.no.
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
|February 19, 2021
Summary
This study demonstrates a standard fluorescence microscopy assay for intravital imaging of tumor vasculature. The affordable method effectively analyzes tumor growth, vascular morphology, and treatment responses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Intravital microscopy is crucial for studying tumor microenvironments.
- Advanced microscopy techniques can be costly and complex.
- There is a need for accessible intravital imaging methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To showcase the performance and applications of an intravital microscopy assay.
- To utilize a standard fluorescence microscope for detailed tumor analysis.
- To provide an affordable alternative to existing intravital microscopy techniques.
Main Methods:
- Xenografts of melanoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were established in dorsal window chambers.
- Repeated intravital microscopy was performed, imaging tumor vasculature and surrounding normal tissue.
- Vascular morphology was quantified, and vascular function was assessed using fluorescent markers and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.
Main Results:
- The assay successfully studied tumor growth, vascularization, morphology, and function.
- It detected differences in vascular morphology and function between tumor lines and identified tumor-induced lymphatic dilation.
- Effects of hypoxia and antiangiogenic treatment on tumor vasculature were quantified, showing compatibility with MRI.
Conclusions:
- The developed intravital microscopy assay is a valuable and cost-effective tool.
- It offers a practical alternative to confocal and multi-photon microscopy for intravital studies.
- The assay provides insights into tumor vascular biology and treatment efficacy.
