This study is supported by the Glaucoma Research Foundation Shaffer Grant, 4-CA Cavalier Collaborative Award, R01EY029121, R01EY035088, and Knights Templar Eye Foundation.&#8195;

All animal procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at the University of Virginia and conformed to the guideline on Use of Animals from the National Institute of Health (NIH). See the Table of Materials for details related to all materials, reagents, and instruments used in this protocol.
1. In vivo vis-OCT imaging
<ol>
	<li>The vis-OCT system
	<ol>
		<li>Image the mice eyes using a small animal vis-OCT system that...

Mouse Retina OCT Fibergram Alignment with Confocal Images

<ol>
	<li>Sernagor, E., Eglen, S. J., Wong, R. O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+retinal+ganglion+cell+structure+and+function.">Development of retinal ganglion cell structure and function.</a> Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 20 (2), 139-174 (2001).</li><li>Sanes, J. R., Masland, R. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+types+of+retinal+ganglion+cells:+current+status+and+implications+for+neuronal+classification.">The types of retinal ganglion cells: current status and implications for neuronal classification.</a> Annual Review of Neuroscience. 38, 221-246 (2015).</li><li>Seabrook, T. A., Burbridge, T. J., Crair, M. C., Huberman, A. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Architecture,+function,+and+assembly+of+the+mouse+visual+system.">Architecture, function, and assembly of the mouse visual system.</a> Annual Review of Neuroscience. 40, 499-538 (2017).</li><li>Cang, J., Savier, E., Barchini, J., Liu, X. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Visual+function,+organization,+and+development+of+the+mouse+superior+colliculus.">Visual function, organization, and development of the mouse superior colliculus.</a> Annual Review of Vision Science. 4, 239-262 (2018).</li><li>Quigley, H. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Understanding+glaucomatous+optic+neuropathy:+the+synergy+between+clinical+observation+and+investigation.">Understanding glaucomatous optic neuropathy: the synergy between clinical observation and investigation.</a> Annual Review of Vision Science. 2, 235-254 (2016).</li><li>Whitmore, A. V., Libby, R. T., John, S. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Glaucoma:+thinking+in+new+ways-a+role+for+autonomous+axonal+self-destruction+and+other+compartmentalised+processes.">Glaucoma: thinking in new ways-a role for autonomous axonal self-destruction and other compartmentalised processes.</a> Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 24 (6), 639-662 (2005).</li><li>Syc-Mazurek, S. B., Libby, R. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Axon+injury+signaling+and+compartmentalized+injury+response+in+glaucoma.">Axon injury signaling and compartmentalized injury response in glaucoma.</a> Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 73, 100769 (2019).</li><li>Puyang, Z., Chen, H., Liu, X. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Subtype-dependent+morphological+and+functional+degeneration+of+retinal+ganglion+cells+in+mouse+models+of+experimental+glaucoma.">Subtype-dependent morphological and functional degeneration of retinal ganglion cells in mouse models of experimental glaucoma.</a> Journal of Nature and Science. 1 (5), (2015).</li><li>Tatham, A. J., Medeiros, F. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detecting+structural+progression+in+glaucoma+with+optical+coherence+tomography.">Detecting structural progression in glaucoma with optical coherence tomography.</a> Ophthalmology. 124, S57-S65 (2017).</li><li>Shu, X., Beckmann, L., Zhang, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Visible-light+optical+coherence+tomography:+a+review.">Visible-light optical coherence tomography: a review.</a> Journal of Biomedical Optics. 22 (12), 1-14 (2017).</li><li>Miller, D. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Visible-light+optical+coherence+tomography+fibergraphy+for+quantitative+imaging+of+retinal+ganglion+cell+axon+bundles.">Visible-light optical coherence tomography fibergraphy for quantitative imaging of retinal ganglion cell axon bundles.</a> Translational Vision Science and Technology. 9 (11), (2020).</li><li>Beckmann, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vivo+imaging+of+the+inner+retinal+layer+structure+in+mice+after+eye-opening+using+visible-light+optical+coherence+tomography.">In vivo imaging of the inner retinal layer structure in mice after eye-opening using visible-light optical coherence tomography.</a> Experimental Eye Research. 211, 108756 (2021).</li><li>Grannonico, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Global+and+regional+damages+in+retinal+ganglion+cell+axon+bundles+monitored+non-invasively+by+visible-light+optical+coherence+tomography+fibergraphy.">Global and regional damages in retinal ganglion cell axon bundles monitored non-invasively by visible-light optical coherence tomography fibergraphy.</a> Journal of Neuroscience. 41 (49), 10179-10193 (2021).</li><li>Allen-Worthington, K. H., Brice, A. K., Marx, J. O., Hankenson, F. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intraperitoneal+Injection+of+Ethanol+for+the+Euthanasia+of+Laboratory+Mice+(Mus+musculus)+and+Rats+(Rattus+norvegicus).">Intraperitoneal Injection of Ethanol for the Euthanasia of Laboratory Mice (Mus musculus) and Rats (Rattus norvegicus).</a> J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 54 (6), 769-778 (2015).</li><li>Boivin, G. P., Bottomley, M. A., Schiml, P. A., Goss, L., Grobe, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Physiologic,+Behavioral,+and+Histologic+Responses+to+Various+Euthanasia+Methods+in+C57BL/6NTac+Male+Mice.">Physiologic, Behavioral, and Histologic Responses to Various Euthanasia Methods in C57BL/6NTac Male Mice.</a> J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 56 (1), 69-78 (2017).</li><li>Chen, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Progressive+degeneration+of+retinal+and+superior+collicular+functions+in+mice+with+sustained+ocular+hypertension.">Progressive degeneration of retinal and superior collicular functions in mice with sustained ocular hypertension.</a> Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 56 (3), 1971-1984 (2015).</li><li>Feng, L., Chen, H., Suyeoka, G., Liu, X. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+laser-induced+mouse+model+of+chronic+ocular+hypertension+to+characterize+visual+defects.">A laser-induced mouse model of chronic ocular hypertension to characterize visual defects.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments: JoVE. 78 (78), (2013).</li><li>Gao, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differential+effects+of+experimental+glaucoma+on+intrinsically+photosensitive+retinal+ganglion+cells+in+mice.">Differential effects of experimental glaucoma on intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in mice.</a> Journal of Comparative Neurology. 530 (9), 1494-1506 (2022).</li><li>Thomson, B. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Angiopoietin-1+knockout+mice+as+a+genetic+model+of+open-angle+glaucoma.">Angiopoietin-1 knockout mice as a genetic model of open-angle glaucoma.</a> Translational Vision Science and Technology. 9 (4), (2020).</li><li>Feng, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sustained+ocular+hypertension+induces+dendritic+degeneration+of+mouse+retinal+ganglion+cells+that+depends+on+cell+type+and+location.">Sustained ocular hypertension induces dendritic degeneration of mouse retinal ganglion cells that depends on cell type and location.</a> Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 54 (2), 1106-1117 (2013).</li><li>Grannonico, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Longitudinal+analysis+of+retinal+ganglion+cell+damage+at+individual+axon+bundle+level+in+mice+using+visible-light+optical+coherence+tomography+fibergraphy.">Longitudinal analysis of retinal ganglion cell damage at individual axon bundle level in mice using visible-light optical coherence tomography fibergraphy.</a> Translational Vision Science and Technology. 12 (5), (2023).</li></ol>

There are two steps in this protocol that require attention. First, it is necessary to ensure that the animal is under deep anesthesia and that their eyes are fully dilated before vis-OCT imaging. If the mice are not adequately anesthetized, their fast breathing may lead to unstable movements of the en face images, which can adversely affect the quality of the fibergram. Moreover, insufficient dilation can also have a negative impact on image quality since the iris may obstruct the light, preventing it from reac...

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) play a critical role in visual information processing, receiving synaptic inputs through their dendritic trees in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and transmitting the information via their axons in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) to the brain1,2,3,4. In diseased conditions such as glaucoma, early RGC degeneration may result in subtle changes in the RNFL, the ganglion cell layer (GCL), the IPL, and the optic nerve in both patients and rodent models5,6,7,8,9. Early detection of these morphological changes in RGCs is thus essential for timely intervention to prevent RGC and vision loss.
We have recently developed a new clinical-ready imaging technology called visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) to satisfy the need for in vivo monitoring of RGC damage. Vis-OCT improved the axial resolution, reaching 1.3 &#181;m in the retina10, 11, allowing for the visualization of individual RGC axon bundles in the RNFL. Subsequently, vis-OCT fibergraphy (vis-OCTF) was established to track and quantify RGC damage at the single axon bundle level in mice11,12,13. However, ex vivo confocal imaging of the same retina as the gold standard is often necessary to validate the in vivo findings. Therefore, this study will demonstrate how to align in vivo images acquired by vis-OCTF with ex vivo confocal images of the same mouse retina. The protocol aims to validate the in vivo findings by ex vivo confocal imaging and establish a foundation for examining the molecular and cellular changes underlying RGC damage in diseased conditions.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Equipment</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Halo 100</td>
			<td>Opticent Health, Evanston, IL</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Zeiss LSM800 microscope</td>
			<td>Carl Zeiss</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Drugs and antibodies</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4% paraformaldehyde (PFA)</td>
			<td>Santz Cruz Biotechnology, SC-281692</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1-2 drops</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bovine serum albumin powder</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific, BP9706-100</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1:10</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Donkey anti Mouse Alexa Fluor 488 dye</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cat# A-21202</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1:1,000</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Donkey anti rat Alexa Fluor 594 dye</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cat# A-21209</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1:1,000</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Euthasol (a mixture of pentobarbital sodium (390 mg/mL) and phenytoin sodium (50 mg/mL))</td>
			<td>Covetrus, NDC 11695-4860-1</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>15.6 mg/mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ketamine</td>
			<td>Covetrus, NADA043304</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>114 mg/kg</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mouse anti-Tuj1</td>
			<td>A gift from Anthony J. Spano, University of Virginia</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1:200</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Normal donkey serum(NDS)</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma, S30-100 mL</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1:100</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, 10x), pH 7.4 
			(Contains 1370 mM NaCl, 27 mM KCl, 80 mM Na2HPO4, and 20 mM KH2PO4)</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cat# J62036.K3</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1:10</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rat anti-ICAM-2</td>
			<td>BD Pharmingen, Cat#553325</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1:500</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tropicamide drops&#160;</td>
			<td>Covetrus, NDC17478-102-12</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Triton X-100 
			(Reagent Grade)</td>
			<td>VWR, CAS: 9002-93-1</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1:20</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vectashield mounting medium</td>
			<td>Vector Laboratories Inc. H2000-10</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xylazine</td>
			<td>Covetrus, NDC59399-110-20</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>17 mg/kg</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

alignment of visible-light optical coherence tomography fibergrams with confocal images of the same mouse retina

In recent years, in vivo retinal imaging, which provides non-invasive, real-time, and longitudinal information about biological systems and processes, has been increasingly applied to obtain an objective assessment of neural damage in eye diseases. Ex vivo confocal imaging of the same retina is often necessary to validate the in vivo findings especially in animal research. In this study, we demonstrated a method for aligning an ex vivo confocal image of the mouse retina with its in vivo images. A new clinical-ready imaging technology called visible light optical coherence tomography fibergraphy (vis-OCTF) was applied to acquire in vivo images of the mouse retina. We then performed the confocal imaging of the same retina as the &#34;gold standard&#34; to validate the in vivo vis-OCTF images. This study not only enables further investigation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms but also establishes a foundation for a sensitive and objective evaluation of neural damage in vivo.

Author Spotlight: Advancements in In Vivo and Ex Vivo Retinal Imaging for Improved Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment 

Alignment of Visible-Light Optical Coherence Tomography Fibergrams with Confocal Images of the Same Mouse Retina

We present a protocol for aligning in vivo VIS-OCT images with ex vivo immunostained retinal nerve fibers to validate our novel imaging technology. VIS-OCT enables visualization of retinal nerve fibers in vivo, and this process confirms the accuracy of our findings. Our protocol combines in vivo and ex vivo imaging to provide a real time visualization of retina structure and confirm findings.The process is applicable to mouse models of eye diseases, provided the anterior eye portion allows for optical imaging. This includes diabetic retinopathy and retinal ischemia models. These studies lay the foundation for establishing an objective evaluation of neuro damage in humans, which can significantly improve glaucoma diagnosis and treatment in the future.

The composite vis-OCT fibergram is compared with the corresponding confocal image of flat-mounted retina immunostained with Tuj-1 for RGC axons (Figure 1D, top panel). Axon bundles imaged by vis-OCTF can be matched with the Tu-j1-labeled axon bundles on the confocal image. Blood vessels usually exhibit distinguishable branching structures compared with surrounding axon bundles in fibergram images, which can be matched with the ICAM-2-labeled blood vessels on the confocal image (<strong class...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Advancements in In Vivo and Ex Vivo Retinal Imaging for Improved Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment at JoVE.com

The present protocol outlines the steps for aligning in vivo visible-light optical coherence tomography fibergraphy (vis-OCTF) images with ex vivo confocal images of the same mouse retina for the purpose of verifying the observed retinal ganglion cell axon bundle morphology in the in vivo images.

In recent years, in vivo retinal imaging, which provides non-invasive, real-time, and longitudinal information about biological systems and processes, has ...

alignment-visible-light-optical-coherence-tomography-fibergrams-with

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

829 ビュー.  University of Virginia. in vivo VIS-OCT画像をex vivo免疫染色網膜神経線維とアライメントするためのプロトコルを提示し、新しいイメージング技術を検証します。VIS-OCTは、生体内の網膜神経線維の可視化を可能にし、この過程は我々の知見の正確性を裏付けるものです。私たちのプロトコルは、in vivoイメージングとex vivoイメージングを組み合わせて、網膜構造のリアルタイム視覚化を提供し、所?...

ビデオ: 著者スポットライト:緑内障の診断と治療を改善するためのIn vivoおよびex vivo網膜イメージングの進歩 

The present protocol outlines the steps for aligning in vivo visible-light optical coherence tomography fibergraphy (vis-OCTF) images with ex vivo confocal images of the same mouse retina for the purpose of verifying the observed retinal ganglion cell axon bundle morphology in the in vivo images.

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in vivo dynamics of retinal microglial activation during neurodegeneration: confocal ophthalmoscopic imaging and cell morphometry in mouse glaucoma

In Vivo Dynamics of Retinal Microglial Activation During Neurodegeneration: Confocal Ophthalmoscopic Imaging and Cell Morphometry in Mouse Glaucoma

Microglia activation and microgliosis are key responses to chronic neurodegeneration. Here, we present methods for in vivo, long-term visualization of retinal CX3CR1-GFP+ microglial cells by confocal ophthalmoscopy, and for threshold and morphometric analyses to identify and quantify their activation. We monitor microglial changes during early stages of age-related...

In Vivo Dynamics of Retinal Microglial Activation During Neurodegeneration: Confocal Ophthalmoscopic Imaging and Cell Morphometry in Mouse Glaucoma

alignment of in vivo and ex vivo mouse retinal images

Alignment of In Vivo and Ex Vivo Mouse Retinal Images  

zebrafish scale regeneration in toto and ex vivo culture of scales

Author Spotlight: Use of Fish Scales for Bone Remodeling Research &amp;#8211; Advancements in Ex Vivo Imaging and Dissecting Cell Interactions

This protocol describes the harvesting and visualization of elasmoid scales of zebrafish during in vivo regeneration. In addition, the ex vivo culture of these scales for up to 7 days after harvest is...

Harvesting and Visualization of Elasmoid Scales of Zebrafish During In Vivo Regeneration

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nanoparticle delivery of an oligonucleotide payload in a glioblastoma multiforme animal model

Author Spotlight: Innovative Cancer Therapies with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Glioblastoma Treatment

The blood-brain barrier is a significant hurdle in the delivery of therapies for glioblastoma, a disease for which there is no cure. Here, we report an in vivo image-guided iron oxide therapeutic nano platform that can bypass this physiological barrier by virtue of size and accumulate in the tumor.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Image-Guided Therapy Delivery in Murine Glioblastoma

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whole-mount immunostaining and automatic counting of mouse retinal ganglion cells

Author Spotlight: Efficient Retinal Ganglion Cell Counting in Mouse Models of Glaucoma for Treatment Evaluation

This protocol describes the procedure for isolating the whole-mount mouse retina and performing immunostaining to label all retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The process is followed by imaging and automatically counting RGCs using AI-based software, providing a simple, fast, and accurate method for quantifying RGCs in the entire mouse...

Immunostaining and AI-Based Counting of RGCs in Mouse Whole-Mount Retina

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determination of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in ex vivo retinal tissue samples

Determination of Mitochondrial Respiration and Glycolysis in Ex Vivo Retinal Tissue Samples

Described here is a detailed protocol for performing mitochondrial stress assay and glycolytic rate assay in ex vivo retinal tissue samples using a commercial...

Determination of Mitochondrial Respiration and Glycolysis in Ex Vivo Retinal Tissue Samples

in utero and ex vivo electroporation for gene expression in mouse retinal ganglion cells

In utero and ex vivo Electroporation for Gene Expression in Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells

Here we present two techniques for manipulating gene expression in murine retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by in utero and ex vivo electroporation.  These techniques enable one to examine how alterations in gene expression affect RGC development, axon guidance, and functional...

In utero and ex vivo Electroporation for Gene Expression in Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells

in vivo and ex vivo imaging for nanoparticle tracking in murine glioblastoma models

In Vivo and Ex Vivo Imaging for Nanoparticle Tracking in Murine Glioblastoma Models

preparing fresh retinal slices from adult zebrafish for ex vivo imaging experiments

Preparing Fresh Retinal Slices from Adult Zebrafish for Ex Vivo Imaging Experiments

Imaging retinal tissue can provide single-cell information that cannot be gathered from traditional biochemical methods. This protocol describes preparation of retinal slices from zebrafish for confocal imaging. Fluorescent genetically encoded sensors or indicator dyes allow visualization of numerous biological processes in distinct retinal cell...

Preparing Fresh Retinal Slices from Adult Zebrafish for Ex Vivo Imaging Experiments

preparation steps for measurement of reactivity in mouse retinal arterioles ex vivo

Preparation Steps for Measurement of Reactivity in Mouse Retinal Arterioles Ex Vivo

Many vision-threatening ocular diseases are associated with dysfunctional retinal microvessels. Therefore, the measurement of retinal arteriole responses is important to investigate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. This article describes a detailed protocol for mouse retinal arteriole isolation and preparation to assess the effects of vasoactive substances on vascular...

Preparation Steps for Measurement of Reactivity in Mouse Retinal Arterioles Ex Vivo

ex vivo oct-based multimodal imaging of human donor eyes for research into age-related macular degeneration

Author Spotlight: Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration  

Laboratory assays can leverage prognostic value from the longitudinal optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based multimodal imaging of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Human donor eyes with and without AMD are imaged using OCT, color, near-infrared reflectance scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and autofluorescence at two excitation wavelengths prior to tissue...

OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for AMD Research

glaucoma-inducing procedure in an in vivo rat model and whole-mount retina preparation

Glaucoma-inducing Procedure in an In Vivo Rat Model and Whole-mount Retina Preparation

Glaucoma is characterized by damage to retinal ganglion cells. Inducing glaucoma in animal models can provide insight into the study of this disease. Here, we outline a procedure that induces loss of RGCs in an in vivo rat model and demonstrates the preparation of whole-mount retinas for analysis.

Glaucoma-inducing Procedure in an In Vivo Rat Model and Whole-mount Retina Preparation

isolation of retinal arterioles for ex vivo cell physiology studies

Isolation of Retinal Arterioles for Ex Vivo Cell Physiology Studies

This manuscript describes a straightforward protocol for the isolation of arterioles from the rat retina that can be used in electrophysiological, calcium imaging and pressure myography studies.

Isolation of Retinal Arterioles for Ex Vivo Cell Physiology Studies

3d visualization of retinal vascular pericytes in mice by immunostaining 

Author Spotlight: Advanced Imaging Techniques for Studying Retinal Pericyte Morphology and Spatial Distribution

The pericytes in retinal vasculature were examined by immunofluorescent staining with platelet-derived growth factor receptor &#946; after retro-orbital injection of fluorescent tomato lectin. The labeled retina was further treated with the tissue-clearing method and whole mounted for visualizing the three-dimensional views of pericytes surrounding retinal vasculature under a confocal...

Retinal Pericytes Visualization Using Tissue-Clearing and Fluorescent Labeling

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performing in vivo and ex vivo electrical impedance myography in rodents

Performing In Vivo and Ex Vivo Electrical Impedance Myography in Rodents

This article details how to perform in vivo (using surface and needle electrode arrays) and ex vivo (using a dielectric cell) electrical impedance myography on the rodent gastrocnemius muscle. It will demonstrate the technique in both mice and rats and detail the modifications available, (i.e., obese animals,...

Performing In Vivo and Ex Vivo Electrical Impedance Myography in Rodents

ex vivo calcium imaging for drosophila model of epilepsy

Author Spotlight: Insights into the Techniques and Findings of Recent Advancements in Epilepsy Research 

Here, we present a protocol for ex vivo calcium imaging in GCaMP6-expressing adult Drosophila to monitor epileptiform activities. The protocol provides a valuable tool for investigating ictal events in adult Drosophila through ex vivo calcium imaging, allowing for exploration of the potential mechanisms of epilepsy at the cellular...

Monitoring Epileptiform Events in &lt;em&gt;Drosophila&lt;/em&gt; via Calcium Imaging

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establishment of a novel ex vivo lung perfusion system for rat lungs after circulatory death

Author Spotlight: Improving Donor Lung Quality and Success Rates in Lung Transplantation Through Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion

The objective is to develop a new ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) model in rats that can sustain consistent lung function for 4 h throughout EVLP and furnish the industry with implementation specifics that will offer a sturdy method for applying EVLP to rodent models.

Evaluation of Apoptosis and Lung Injury in DCD Donor Lungs Preserved by EVLP

optical coherence tomography: imaging mouse retinal ganglion cells in vivo

Optical Coherence Tomography: Imaging Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vivo

This manuscript describes a protocol for the in vivo imaging of the mouse retina with high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). It focuses on retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in the peripapillary region, with several scanning and quantifying approaches...

Optical Coherence Tomography: Imaging Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vivo

retinal explant of the adult mouse retina as an ex vivo model for studying retinal neurovascular diseases

Retinal Explant of the Adult Mouse Retina as an Ex Vivo Model for Studying Retinal Neurovascular Diseases

This protocol presents and describes steps for the isolation, dissection, culturing, and staining of retinal explants obtained from an adult mouse. This method is beneficial as an ex vivo model for studying different retinal neurovascular diseases such as diabetic...

Retinal Explant of the Adult Mouse Retina as an Ex Vivo Model for Studying Retinal Neurovascular Diseases

In Vivo Visible Light Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Mouse Retinal Imaging

Start by positioning the anesthetized mouse on the animal holder and securing it with two Velcro straps. Turn on the computer and open the software to activate the laser. Adjust the animal holder to center the laser in the mouse's eye.Visualize the posterior part through an on-face preview, the field of view of the superficial vascular plexus, a B scan, and the retina cross-section within the field of view. Acquire a visible light optical coherence tomography, or vis-OCT volume after making minor adjustments to the optical focus. Align the optical nerve head in each of the four corners of the field of view to cover different retinal areas.Use an intensity-based threshold method to detect the retina surface, and generate vis-OCT fiber grams from the volume. Crop the retinal nerve fiber layer, or RNFL, by selecting the first 16 micrometers depth. Next, calculate the mean intensity projection along the axial direction to generate the fiber gram image composed of retinal ganglion cell axon bundles and surrounding vasculature.Align the blood vessels using a graphics editor to montage the four images post-processing. The composite vis-OCT fiber gram is compared with the corresponding confocal image of flat-mounted retina immunostained with TUJ1 for RGC axons. Blood vessels exhibit distinguishable branching structures which can be matched with the ICAM II labeled blood vessels on the confocal image.Side-by-side comparison between ex vivo confocal microscopy and in vivo vis-OCT revealed identical RGC exon bundle networks and surrounding retinal vasculature.

Ex Vivo Confocal Imaging of Mouse Retina

Enucleate the eyes of a euthanized mouse, marking the temporal side for orientation purposes. Remove the anterior chamber. Then remove the lens and vitreous and place eye cups in paraformaldehyde for 30 minutes.Wash eye cups with PBS for 30 minutes. Replacing the solution three times. Then, wash with 0.5%Triton X-100 for 30 minutes.Incubate eye cups in the blocking buffer for two hours at room temperature. After immunostaining, isolate the retinas from the eye cups using a microscope. Divide the retinas into four leaves and flat mount them with the retinal ganglion cell layer facing up.Ensure the mark on the temporal side remains attached for orientation. Cover the retinas with mounting medium. Place cover slips.And seal the slides using nail polish. Turn on the confocal microscope and under Locate mode, find the area of interest using the eye piece. Switch to Acquisition mode and set up tiles to cover the entire retina, along with Z-Stack slices for all layers of information.Image at least 25 tiles across the whole retina to achieve a total volume. Project the Z-Stack slices to generate two-dimensional on-face confocal microscopy images. The composite vis-OCT fibergram is compared with the corresponding confocal image of flat mounted retina immunostained with TuJ1 for RGC axons.Blood vessels exhibit distinguishable branching structures which can be matched with the ICAM-2 labeled blood vessels on the confocal image. Side-by-side comparison between ex vivo confocal microscopy and in vivo vis-OCT revealed identical RGC axon bundle networks and surrounding retinal vasculature.

Start by creating a composite image using the four obtained images from each mouse. Utilize a graphics editor to align all the blood vessels, employ the optic nerve head and blood vessel patterns as landmarks for aligning the composite fiber gram overlap the composite images and the confocal images of the same retina stained with ICAM2, to achieve in vivo and ex vivo alignment. The composite vis-oct fiber gram is compared with the corresponding confocal image of flat mounted retina.Immuno stain with TUJ1 for RGC axons. Blood vessels exhibit distinguishable branching structures which can be matched with the ICAM2 labeled blood vessels on the confocal image. Side-by-side comparison between ex vivo confocal microscopy and in vivo vis-oct revealed identical RGC Axon bundle networks and surrounding retinal vasculature.