Chemotherapy-induced Vascular Toxicity – Real-time In vivo Imaging of Vessel Impairment

The overall goal of this procedure is to use a high definition fibered confocal microscope to visualize the vasculature and its response to various stimuli. This is accomplished by first calibrating the microscope and then injecting the animal intravenously with fitzy dextrin to facilitate visualization of the blood vessels, the vessels are then imaged with the fibroid confocal fluorescence microscope in real time, during and after the experimental treatment. Ultimately, this in vivo molecular imaging platform may be used for evaluating the potential vascular toxicity of agents such as chemotherapeutics in an animal model.

Generally, individuals new to this method may struggle because setting up a system and capturing a stable image can be challenging. Demonstrating the procedure will be Dr.Sef, a postdoc from the laboratory. Before preparing the mouse for imaging, turn on the fiber confocal fluorescence microscope, and connect the mini zero 30 micro probe.