Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research, University Clinic, RWTH-Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
Department of Molecular Cell Biology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 67229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Methods. 2017 Nov 1;130:79-89. doi: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2017.04.013. Epub 2017 Apr 18.
Multiphoton laser scanning microscopy has proven profound value for ex vivo 3D histology and in vivo imaging of motionless tissue. The development of triggering systems and fast imaging methods, combined with advanced preparation procedures solved the challenging task of intravital imaging of the fast pulsating heart and major arteries in animals and further increased the popularity of intravital multiphoton imaging in cardiovascular research. This review article will highlight the potential of multiphoton microscopy for the visualization and characterization of dynamical and structural processes involved in cardiac and vascular diseases, both in an ex vivo and an intravital animal setting. Examples will be given how multiphoton microscopy can be applied to imaging of atherosclerotic plaque development and progression at subcellular level as well as to intravital imaging of inflammatory processes in the heart. In addition to highlighting the potential of multiphoton microscopy in preclinical cardiovascular research, we will discuss how this tool and its applications may be clinically translated to support disease diagnosis and therapy in patients.
多光子激光扫描显微镜已被证明在离体 3D 组织学和静止组织的体内成像方面具有深远的价值。触发系统和快速成像方法的发展，结合先进的制备程序，解决了对动物体内快速跳动的心脏和主要动脉进行活体成像的挑战性任务，并进一步提高了活体多光子成像在心血管研究中的普及度。本文综述将重点介绍多光子显微镜在可视化和描述涉及心脏和血管疾病的动态和结构过程中的潜力，包括离体和活体动物两种设置。将举例说明多光子显微镜如何应用于亚细胞水平的动脉粥样硬化斑块发展和进展的成像，以及心脏内炎症过程的活体成像。除了突出多光子显微镜在临床前心血管研究中的潜力外，我们还将讨论如何将该工具及其应用转化为临床应用，以支持患者的疾病诊断和治疗。
