In Vivo Fluorescence Imaging to Localize Antibodies in a Mouse Tumor Xenograft Model

Begin with a syringe containing folate receptor alpha-1 expressing mammalian tumor cells in a basement membrane matrix medium.

Pull the mouse's skin and inject the tumor cell suspension into the subcutaneous layer.

During incubation, the basement membrane forms a semi-solid, gel-like matrix, entrapping the tumor cells and facilitating their attachment at the injection site.

Over time, attached mammalian tumor cells proliferate and become vascularized, forming a solid tumor xenograft.

Inject the folate receptor targeting fluorescent antibodies into the tail vein of the anesthetized tumor-bearing mouse.

Post-injection, the labeled antibodies reach the tumor site.

The antibodies bind to the folate receptors on the tumor cells, leading to their specific localization on the tumor xenograft.

Transfer the mouse to the imaging chamber and measure the fluorescence signal at regular intervals.

The enhanced fluorescence signal within the tumor xenograft confirms the selective localization of antibodies.