In-vivo Fourier domain optical coherence tomography as a new tool for investigation of vasodynamics in the mouse model

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

In-vivo imaging of the vascular system can provide novel insight into the dynamics of vasoconstriction and vasodilation. Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) is an optical, noncontact imaging technique based on interferometry of short-coherent near-infrared light with axial resolution of less than 10μm. In this study, we apply FD-OCT as an in-vivo imaging technique to investigate blood vessels in their anatomical context using temporally resolved image stacks. Our chosen model system is the murine saphenous artery and vein, due to their small inner vessel diameters, sensitive response to vasoactive stimuli, and advantageous anatomical position. The vascular function of male wild-type mice (C57BL/6) is determined at the ages of 6 and 20weeks. Vasoconstriction is analyzed in response to dermal application of potassium (K +), and vasodilation in response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Vasodynamics are quantified from time series (75sec, 4 frames per sec, 330×512pixels per frame) of cross sectional images that are analyzed by semiautomated image processing software. The morphology of the saphenous artery and vein is determined by 3-D image stacks of 512×512×512pixels. Using the FD-OCT technique, we are able to demonstrate age-dependent differences in vascular function and vasodynamics.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number034027
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics
Volume14
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 70349235539
PubMed 19566320
researchoutputwizard legacy.publication#30823
ORCID /0000-0003-0554-2178/work/142249760
ORCID /0000-0003-2292-5533/work/142256537
ORCID /0000-0001-9360-9736/work/164198429

Keywords

Keywords

  • atherosclerosis, Fourier domain optical coherence tomography, vasodynamics