In-vivo confocal real-time mini-microscopy in animal models of human inflammatory and neoplastic diseases.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS:

Although various improvements in tissue imaging modalities have recently been achieved, in-vivo molecular and subsurface imaging in the field of gastroenterology remains a technical challenge. In this study we evaluated a newly developed, handheld, miniaturized confocal laser microscopy probe for real-time in-vivo molecular and subsurface imaging in rodent models of human disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The minimicroscope uses a 488-nm, single line laser for fluorophore excitation. The optical slice thickness is 7 microm, the lateral resolution 0.7 microm. The range of the z-axis is 0-250 microm below the tissue surface. Imaging was performed using different fluorescent staining protocols; 5-carboxyfluorescein-labeled octreotate was synthesized for targeted molecular imaging.

RESULTS:

Cellular and subcellular details of the gastrointestinal tract could be visualized in vivo at high resolution. Confocal real-time microscopy allowed in-vivo identification of tumor vessels and liver metastases, as well as diagnosis of focal hepatic inflammation, necrosis, and associated perfusion anomalies. Somatostatin-receptor targeting permitted in-vivo molecular staining of AR42-J-induced carcinoma and pancreatic islet cells.

CONCLUSIONS:

Confocal mini-microscopy allows rapid in-vivo molecular and subsurface imaging of normal and pathological tissue in the gastrointestinal tract at high resolution. Because this technology is applicable to humans, it might impact on future in-vivo microsocpic and molecular diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and inflammation.

• Authors: M Goetz, C Fottner, E Schirrmacher, P Delaney, S Gregor, C Schneider, D Strand, S Kanzler, B Memadathil, E Weyand, M Holtmann, R Schirrmacher, M M Weber, M Anlauf, G Klöppel, M Vieth, P R Galle, P Bartenstein, M F Neurath, R Kiesslich
• Journal: Endoscopy (Endoscopy) Vol. 39 Issue 4 Pg. 350-6 (Apr 2007) ISSN: 1438-8812 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 17427071 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Fluoresceins
• Fluorescent Dyes
• Receptors, Somatostatin
• 4-carboxyfluorescein
• Octreotide

Topics

• Animals
• Disease Models, Animal
• Equipment Design
• Female
• Fluoresceins
• Fluorescent Dyes
• Gastrointestinal Neoplasms (pathology)
• Immunohistochemistry
• Inflammation (pathology)
• Islets of Langerhans (pathology)
• Liver Neoplasms, Experimental (pathology)
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Mice, Inbred C57BL
• Mice, Inbred Strains
• Microscopy, Confocal (instrumentation, methods)
• Miniaturization
• Octreotide
• Pancreatic Neoplasms (pathology)
• Receptors, Somatostatin