Molecular imaging of vessels in mouse models of disease

Abstract

Vascular imaging of angiogenesis in mouse models of disease requires multi modal imaging hardware capable of targeting both structure and function at different physical scales. The three dimensional (3D) structure and function vascular information allows for accurate differentiation between biological processes. For example, image analysis of vessel development in angiogenesis vs. arteriogenesis enables more accurate detection of biological variation between subjects and more robust and reliable diagnosis of disease. In the recent years a number of micro imaging modalities have emerged in the field as preferred means for this purpose. They provide 3D volumetric data suitable for analysis, quantification, validation, and visualization of results in animal models. This review highlights the capabilities of microCT, ultrasound and microPET for multimodal imaging of angiogenesis and molecular vascular targets in a mouse model of tumor angiogenesis. The basic principles of the imaging modalities are described and experimental results are presented.

Retrograde Perfusion and Filling of Mouse Coronary Vasculature as Preparation for Micro Computed Tomography Imaging

“…One technique, Contrast Enhanced High Resolution Ultrasound (CEHRUS), utilizes gas filled microbubbles as a contrast agent. Injection of these microbubbles into the blood stream allows for visualization of the flow of blood with real-time flow measurements down to the capillary level, but it does not provide a 3D view of the imaged vessels 2,[27][28][29][30][31] . Another method, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) has also been used to image coronary vessels [32][33][34] , and recent advances in MRA have extended its imaging capabilities to obtain real-time blood flow measurements 35,36 …”

“…While several techniques exist for imaging vasculature, few are able to visualize the vascular network as a whole while extending to a resolution that includes the smaller vessels 1,2 . Additionally, many vascular casting techniques destroy the surrounding tissue, preventing further analysis of the sample [3][4][5] .…”

‘Go with the flow ’: A review of methods and advancements in blood flow imaging

“…Micro-CT provides high resolution 3D volumetric data, suitable for analysis, quantification, validation and visualisation of vasculature. Reported studies for the use of micro-CT include the assessment of induced or implanted disease models [251,252]; screening for anatomical abnormalities and/or changes in live animals [253]; assessing angiogenesis during fracture healing [254]; in morphological studies, for example, the rodent renal vasculature [255,256]; and the assessment of cancer staging for predictions of metastatic relapse [257]. Micro-CT has also branched into the realm of fluid dynamic simulations in, for instance, the mouse aorta [258,259] and assessment of coronary artery disease [260].…”

Pulsatility Index as a Novel Parameter for Perfusion in Mouse Model of Hindlimb Ischemia

“…Conventional noninvasive in vivo methods for assessing blood flow recovery are used for physiological investigations but are not reproducible, which prevents comparisons. The current imaging techniques, such as laser Doppler imaging [11], contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasound imaging, pulsedwave velocity ultrasound [12,13], magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [14], computed tomography (CT) [15], single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) [16], and positron emission tomography (PET) [17], are hampered due to compromises between spatial and temporal resolution, penetration, and sensitivity. These methods might be unsuitable for small animals, or they may be unstable for measurement because of external factors, including environment, light, and room temperature, and interior factors including body temperature, body gestures, etc.…”