Bioluminescence Imaging to Assess Tumor Growth in an Organotypic Mouse Brain Slice

Take a multi-well plate containing an organotypic mouse brain slice with tumor cells. These cells express the enzyme luciferase.

Lift the insert to add luciferin solution into the media and mix well. Place the insert back into the well.

The luciferin enters the tumor cell and gets oxidized by luciferase, emitting bioluminescence.

Place the plate inside the imaging chamber of the in vivo imaging system, which can capture bioluminescence emitted from the sample.

Lock the chamber to prevent external light interference.

Adjust the camera settings to capture a single well per image.

Move the stage to position the well directly under the camera.

Optimize the acquisition time based on the intensity of emitted bioluminescence.

Define the tumor’s shape, then begin bioluminescence imaging.

Quantify the bioluminescent signal to assess the tumor growth on the brain slice.

Pipette 5 microliters of 30 milligrams per milliliter luciferin solution into the medium underneath the inserts inside a sterile hood. Place the six-well plate with the lid inside the imaging chamber of the instrument below the stationary camera and lock the chamber door.

Open the software and initialize the instrument. After choosing