Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
Fluorescence Lifetime Macro Imager for Biomedical Applications
Published on: April 7, 2023
The use of fluorescence lifetime technology in benign and malignant thyroid tissues
G Nakache1, G Yahav2, G H Siloni3
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.
Insights
Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy reveals distinct lifetime measurements in various thyroid lesions. These findings suggest potential for optical techniques in differentiating thyroid pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Biophotonics
- Medical Imaging
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Thyroid tissue analysis traditionally relies on histopathology.
- Optical imaging techniques offer potential for non-invasive or minimally invasive diagnostic methods.
- Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) provides functional information beyond structural details.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the application of FLIM in thyroid tissues.
- To determine if different thyroid lesions exhibit unique fluorescence lifetime characteristics.
- To explore FLIM as a potential tool for thyroid pathology differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Fresh frozen thyroid surgical specimens were analyzed.
- Specimens were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) tagged anti-thyroglobulin monoclonal antibodies.
- Fluorescence lifetime measurements were acquired using FLIM.
Main Results:
- Mean fluorescence lifetimes varied across different thyroid pathologies.
- Follicular adenoma showed a higher fluorescence lifetime compared to papillary thyroid carcinoma (26% higher, p=0.058).
- Follicular carcinoma exhibited a higher fluorescence lifetime than papillary thyroid carcinoma (22% higher, p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Fluorescence lifetime measurements differ significantly among various thyroid pathologies.
- Observed variations may be attributed to tissue-scale structural differences.
- FLIM shows promise as an optical method for characterizing thyroid lesions.
Objective:
To explore the use of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy in thyroid tissues, and to investigate how different thyroid lesions affect fluorescence lifetime.
Method:
Fluorescence lifetime measurements were taken of fresh frozen thyroid surgical specimens stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate tagged anti-thyroglobulin monoclonal antibodies.
Results:
The mean fluorescence lifetime measurements in 12 patients - 3 with multinodular goitre, 4 with follicular adenoma, 4 with papillary thyroid carcinoma and 1 with follicular carcinoma - were 3.16 ns (range, 2.66-3.52 ns), 3.75 ns (range, 2.99-4.57 ns), 2.97 ns (range, 2.57-3.21 ns) and 3.61 ns, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime of follicular adenoma patients was higher than that of papillary thyroid carcinoma patients by 26 per cent (p = 0.058). The fluorescence lifetime in the follicular carcinoma patient was similar to the follicular adenoma group, but higher than in the papillary thyroid carcinoma group by 22 per cent (p = 0.01).
Conclusion:
Fluorescence lifetime measurements varied in different thyroid pathologies, possibly because of tissue-scale structural influences.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:18Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
01:31Hybridoma Technology
Hybridoma Selection
Commonly used fusion techniques — electroporation,...
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
01:18Tissues