Encyclopedia of Experiments: Biology
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Transcript
High-resolution intravital microscopy, via an implanted pancreatic imaging window, facilitates long-term, wide-area cellular-level visualization of the pancreatic islets in a live animal.
For pancreatic imaging window implantation, first, position an anesthetized mouse in a left lateral position. Next, fix a probe to monitor the mouse’s temperature and regulate its temperature using a heating pad. Now, shave the left flank and sterilize the area.
Make a surgical incision and dissect the abdominal muscles. Insert appropriate sutures in the incision margin to affix the imaging window frame in position following implantation. Further, expose and exteriorize the spleen, and identify the connected pancreas.
Next, overlay the pancreas connected with the spleen on the plate of the customized pancreatic imaging window, with the spleen positioned in the open space of the window. This positioning of the pancreas effectively isolates it from the neighboring bowel movements, reducing the motion-induced artifacts during imaging. Carefully apply cyanoacrylate glue to the margin of the imaging window, avoiding the organs.
Mount a cover glass over the margin of the imaging window. Tighten the sutures around the imaging window to secure the window in place. The mouse with the implanted pancreatic imaging window is ready for intravital pancreatic imaging.
