This work was supported in part by National Institutes of Health Grants HL-085887, HL-092992, S10RR027535, and MOP-93676.

1. Vessel Dissection and Imaging
<ol>
	<li>Harvest tissue from domestic juvenile pigs as described in Martens et al27. Place harvested swine right ventricles into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bottom dissection dish containing HEPES buffered physiological saline solution (PSS).
	<ol>
		<li>With the aid of a stereomicroscope, dissect and remove a segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery (~8 mm length, 0.5 mm diameter) from surrounding tissue using forceps and spring scissors by removing the vessel segment from the surrounding cardiac tissue layers. NOTE: Take care to not puncture the vessel wall.</li>
		<li>Place a PDMS block (1 x 0.5 x 0.5 cm) into the dissection dish, and use a needle to pin it to the bottom. Cut an approximately 40 &#956;m diameter tungsten wire into twelve ~0.3 cm length segments, forming micropins, and place these in the dish. Using forceps, secure one end of the vessel segment to the block with a micropin.</li>
		<li>Carefully insert small spring scissors into the vessel lumen, and cut longitudinally down one side of the vessel to open it completely. Orient the opened vessel segment with the endothelium up.</li>
		<li>Use the remaining micropins to secure the borders of the opened vessel segment to block such that the vessel forms a flat rectangle. NOTE: Micropin tops should be bent to 90&#176; and inserted until flush with the block surface. Care should be taken to stretch the vessel preparation without overstretching; final width should be ~1.5x&#160;the starting unstretched width.</li>
		<li>Prepare a small volume (~1 ml) of Fluo-4 AM loading solution by mixing Fluo-4 AM (10 &#181;M) dissolved in DMSO with pluronic (0.03 %) in a HEPES buffered PSS (containing in mM: 134 NaCl, 6 KCl, 1 MgCl, 10 HEPES, 10 glucose), and insert the entire block into the loading solution for approximately 40 min at room temperature in the dark.</li>
		<li>After loading, wash the block in HEPES buffered PSS for 5-10 min.</li>
		<li>Mount the block onto 50-100 &#181;m thick spacers in a coverglass bottom chamber containing HEPES buffered PSS. NOTE: Metal pins can be used as spacers and ensure the vessel segment is facing down and not touching the spacers.</li>
		<li>Place the chamber on the stage of an inverted microscope equipped for confocal imaging, and focus on the endothelial cell layer.</li>
		<li>Capture time lapse image sequences of basal relative fluorescence for ~3 min at 20X magnification and a frame rate of ~8 frames per sec&#160;using confocal image sequence aquisition software.</li>
		<li>After ~ 3 min of recording basal fluorescence, replace HEPES buffered PSS solution with the same volume (~1 ml) of Substance P (100 pM) dissolved in HEPES buffered PSS, and record for an addtional 3 min.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Automated Analysis
<ol>
	<li>Render image sequence(s) of fluorescent calcium activity from confocal acquisition software as 8 bit, grayscale &#39;.tif&#39; format files with no scale information.</li>
	<li>Open ImageJ, click &#39;open&#39; in the file menu, and select the appropriate image sequence in the explorer window to view the image sequence(s) in ImageJ.</li>
	<li>Determine an appropriate ROI diameter by using the rectangular ROI tool to estimate the upper and lower boundaries of the spatial spread of activity within the image sequence(s). NOTE: The mean rectangular diameter is a suitable choice for ROI diameter.</li>
	<li>Create a new folder on the computer hard drive, and add the image sequence(s) into the folder directory.</li>
	<li>In ImageJ, click the &#39;plugins&#39; window, then click &#39;LC_Pro&#39; to start the analysis.</li>
	<li>Enter the ROI diameter value and select the filter threshold value (either 0.05 or 0.01).</li>
	<li>Click the &#39;drug treatment&#39; checkbox and enter the time point values immediately before and after the drug was added (in seconds).</li>
	<li>Click &#39;ok&#39;, and enter the image sequence directory into the file explorer window.</li>
</ol>
3. Graphical Output
<ol>
	<li>Download R version 3.0.2 from <a href="http://www.r-project.org/">http://www.r-project.org/</a>.</li>
	<li>Open the 32 bit version of R.</li>
	<li>Click &#8220;file&#8221;, then &#39;open script&#39; and select the &#39;traceplot.R&#39; R script for generating graphical experimental reports.</li>
	<li>Install the calibrate, and gplots packages by selecting &#39;packages&#39;, &#39;install packages&#39;, and selecting the appropirate packages.</li>
	<li>Click &#39;file&#39;, then &#39;change directory&#39; command, and use the explorer window to select the directory that corresponds to the LC_Pro analysis output.</li>
	<li>Click on the script window and then the &#39;run all&#39; command to run the script.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Berridge, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inositol+trisphosphate+and+calcium+signalling.">Inositol trisphosphate and calcium signalling.</a> Nature. 361 (6410), 315-325 (1993).</li><li>Berridge, M. 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=The+versatility+and+universality+of+calcium+signalling.">The versatility and universality of calcium signalling.</a> Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 1 (1), 11-21 (2000).</li><li>Delisle, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+four+dimensions+of+calcium+signalling+in+Xenopus+oocytes.">The four dimensions of calcium signalling in Xenopus oocytes.</a> Cell Calcium. 12 (2-3), 217-227 (1991).</li><li>Dupont, G., 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=Calcium+dynamics:+spatio-temporal+organization+from+the+subcellular+to+the+organ+level.">Calcium dynamics: spatio-temporal organization from the subcellular to the organ level.</a> Int Rev Cytol. 261, 193-245 (2007).</li><li>Hayashi, H., Miyata, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fluorescence+imaging+of+intracellular+Ca2.">Fluorescence imaging of intracellular Ca2.</a> J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods. 31 (1), 1-10 (1994).</li><li>Barreto-Chang, O. L., Dolmetsch, R. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Calcium+imaging+of+cortical+neurons+using+Fura-2+AM.">Calcium imaging of cortical neurons using Fura-2 AM.</a> J Vis Exp. 23, (2009).</li><li>Hong, J. 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=Intracellular+calcium+spikes+in+rat+suprachiasmatic+nucleus+neurons+induced+by+BAPTA-based+calcium+dyes.">Intracellular calcium spikes in rat suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons induced by BAPTA-based calcium dyes.</a> PloS One. 5 (3), (2010).</li><li>Kuga, N., 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=Large-scale+calcium+waves+traveling+through+astrocytic+networks+in+vivo.">Large-scale calcium waves traveling through astrocytic networks in vivo.</a> J Neurosci. 31 (7), 2607-2614 (2011).</li><li>Mumtaz, S., 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=The+mechanism+of+agonist+induced+Ca2++signalling+in+intact+endothelial+cells+studied+confocally+in+in+situ+arteries.">The mechanism of agonist induced Ca2+ signalling in intact endothelial cells studied confocally in in situ arteries.</a> Cell Calcium. 49 (1), 66-77 (2011).</li><li>Paredes, R. 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=Chemical+calcium+indicators.">Chemical calcium indicators.</a> Methods. 46 (3), 143-151 (2008).</li><li>Silei, V., 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=Measurement+of+intracellular+calcium+levels+by+the+fluorescent+Ca2++indicator+Calcium-Green.">Measurement of intracellular calcium levels by the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Calcium-Green.</a> Brain Res Brain Res Protoc. 5 (2), 132-134 (2000).</li><li>Simpson, A. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fluorescent+measurement+of+[Ca2+]c:+basic+practical+considerations.">Fluorescent measurement of [Ca2+]c: basic practical considerations.</a> Methods Mol Biol. 937, 3-36 (2006).</li><li>Gaspers, L. D., Thomas, A. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Calcium+signaling+in+liver.">Calcium signaling in liver.</a> Cell Calcium. (3-4), 329-342 (2005).</li><li>Hellman, B., 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=Cytoplasmic+Ca2++oscillations+in+pancreatic+&#223;-cells.">Cytoplasmic Ca2+ oscillations in pancreatic &#223;-cells.</a> Biochem Biophys Acta. 1113 (3-4), 295-305 (1992).</li><li>Kansui, Y., 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=Enhanced+spontaneous+Ca2++events+in+endothelial+cells+reflect+signalling+through+myoendothelial+gap+junctions+in+pressurized+mesenteric+arteries.">Enhanced spontaneous Ca2+ events in endothelial cells reflect signalling through myoendothelial gap junctions in pressurized mesenteric arteries.</a> Cell Calcium. 44 (2), 135-146 (2008).</li><li>Tatsumi, 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=Measurement+of+the+intracellular+calcium+concentration+in+guinea-pig+myenteric+neurons+by+using+fura-2.">Measurement of the intracellular calcium concentration in guinea-pig myenteric neurons by using fura-2.</a> Brain res. 451 (1-2), 371-375 (1988).</li><li>Lorenz, J. 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=Pixel-based+criteria-oriented+analysis+of+time-lapse+Ca2+-fluorescence+images.">Pixel-based criteria-oriented analysis of time-lapse Ca2+-fluorescence images.</a> J Neurosci Meth. 127 (2), 157-166 (2003).</li><li>Mukamel, E. 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=Automated+analysis+of+cellular+signals+from+large-scale+calcium+imaging+data.">Automated analysis of cellular signals from large-scale calcium imaging data.</a> Neuron. 63 (6), 747-760 (2009).</li><li>Reidl, 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=Independent+component+analysis+of+high-resolution+imaging+data+identifies+distinct+functional+domains.">Independent component analysis of high-resolution imaging data identifies distinct functional domains.</a> Neuroimage. 34 (1), 94-108 (2007).</li><li>Wegner, F., 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=Automated+detection+of+elementary+calcium+release+events+using+the+&#225;+trous+wavelet+transform.">Automated detection of elementary calcium release events using the &#225; trous wavelet transform.</a> Biophys J. 90 (6), 2151-2163 (2006).</li><li>Cheng, 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=Amplitude+distribution+of+calcium+sparks+in+confocal+images:+theory+and+studies+with+an+automatic+detection+method.">Amplitude distribution of calcium sparks in confocal images: theory and studies with an automatic detection method.</a> Biophys J. 76 (2), 606-617 (1999).</li><li>Picht, E., 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=SparkMaster:+automated+calcium+spark+analysis+with+ImageJ.">SparkMaster: automated calcium spark analysis with ImageJ.</a> Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 293 (3), (2007).</li><li>Abramoff, M. D., 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=Image+processing+with+ImageJ.">Image processing with ImageJ.</a> Biophoton Int. 11, 36-42 (2004).</li><li>Francis, 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=Automated+region+of+interest+analysis+of+dynamic+Ca2++signals+in+image+sequences.">Automated region of interest analysis of dynamic Ca2+ signals in image sequences.</a> Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 303 (3), (2012).</li><li>Qian, X., 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=Recruitment+of+dynamic+endothelial+Ca2++signals+by+the+TRPA1+channel+activator+AITC+in+rat+cerebral+arteries.">Recruitment of dynamic endothelial Ca2+ signals by the TRPA1 channel activator AITC in rat cerebral arteries.</a> Microcirculation. 20 (2), 138-148 (2013).</li><li>Taylor, M. S., 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=Dynamic+Ca2++signal+modalities+in+the+vascular+endothelium.">Dynamic Ca2+ signal modalities in the vascular endothelium.</a> Microcirculation. 19 (5), 423-429 (2012).</li><li>Martens, C. 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=Mucous+solids+and+liquid+secretion+by+airways:+studies+with+normal+pig,+cystic+fibrosis+human,+and+non-cystic+fibrosis+human+bronchi.">Mucous solids and liquid secretion by airways: studies with normal pig, cystic fibrosis human, and non-cystic fibrosis human bronchi.</a> Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 301 (2), (2011).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Decoding complex Ca2+ signals at the cellular and multicellular level will require rigorous experimental and analytical approaches. Here, an approach is described in which time resolved confocal image sequences of Ca2+ dependent fluorescence are subjected to an automated analysis that identifies and quantifies statistically relevant Ca2+ signals within intact cellular fields In the specific case presented, an artery segment was isolated from pig heart, pinned opened to expose the endothel...

Ca2+ is a ubiquitous second messenger signaling molecule and cytosolic Ca2+ levels are highly regulated. Intracellular Ca2+ signals are complex and include isolated transients, oscillations, and propagating waves1-4. Spatial and temporal control of Ca2+ is thought to underlie physiological signal specificity, and therefore the analysis of Ca2+ signal patterns is of considerable interest to investigators in multiple fields5.
Ca2+ indicator dyes such as Fluo-4 and Fura-2 are commonly employed to measure intracellular Ca2+ signals with fluorescence microscopy5-12. Typically, temporal Ca2+ signals are evaluated as time-dependent changes in mean fluorescence within a user-defined area, or region of interest (ROI)5,6,13-16. Currently, manual ROI analysis is both time consuming and labor intensive because it requires users to identify many ROIs and perform repetitive computations17-19. These techniques may also be subject to considerable user error, including introduction of artificial signal modes and exclusion of low amplitude or diffuse signals18,20.
Automated ROI detection algorithms have previously been implemented using a variety of statistical approaches to determine optimal ROI placement, but they have generally been limited to analysis of line scan or pseudo-line scan images, which restricts analysis to a single spatial dimension in time17,19-22. Additionally, many existing algorithms are not adequate to encompass the diversity of Ca2+ release events which range from periodic, localized transients to propagating waves23,24. Comprehensive evaluation of physiological Ca2+ signals is often further complicated by the presence of significant image artifact that confounds signal to noise discrimination in many experimental systems.
Previously, an automated ROI detection algorithm solution to Ca2+ signal transient detection, implemented as a plugin for NIH ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD), was developed and validated25,26. This algorithm, called LC_Pro, was designed to identify and analyze ROIs encompassing Ca2+ signal transients in two-dimensional time lapse image sequences. Here a practical experimental protocol and representative demonstration of an application of the algorithm in porcine coronary artery endothelium is provided, with additional postprocessing using the open source statistical processing software R to generate usable graphical output.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="573">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">dissection dish</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Fisher Sci</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">#08-772-70</td>
			<td style="width:167px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Fisher Sci</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">#NC9644388</td>
			<td>elastomer kit, must be molded into dishes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">HEPES-buffered PSS</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Sigma</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">#H3375-250G</td>
			<td>HEPES acid</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">stereomicroscope</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Nikon Inst.</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">#MNA42000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="63">
			<td height="63" style="height:63px;width:216px;">forceps</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">#11223-20</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="63">
			<td height="63" style="height:63px;width:216px;">spring scissors</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">15003-08</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">tungsten wire</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Scientific Inst Svcs</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">#406</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Fluo-4 AM</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Life Tech.</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">#F-14201</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">pluronic F-127</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Life Tech.</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">#P3000MP</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="63">
			<td height="63" style="height:63px;width:216px;">metal pins</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">#26002-10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">cover-glass bottom chamber</td>
			<td style="width:71px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td>Custom designed</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">spinning disc confocal microscope</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Perkin Elmer</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">RS-3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">imageJ software</td>
			<td style="width:71px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td><a href="http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/download.html">download at: http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/download.html</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">LC_Pro plugin for imageJ</td>
			<td style="width:71px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td><a href="http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/plugins/lc-pro/index.html">download at: http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/plugins/lc-pro/index.html</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">R software</td>
			<td style="width:71px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td><a href="http://www.r-project.org/">download at: http://www.r-project.org/</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">R traceplot script</td>
			<td style="width:71px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-PSp1D9e2fjV3NIcGppUzkxdEk/edit?usp=sharing">download at: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-PSp1D9e2fjV3NIcGppUzkxdEk/edit?usp=sharing</a></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

automated analysis of dynamic ca2+ signals in image sequences

Intracellular Ca2+ signals are commonly studied with fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dyes and microscopy techniques. However, quantitative analysis of Ca2+ imaging data is time consuming and subject to bias. Automated signal analysis algorithms based on region of interest (ROI) detection have been implemented for one-dimensional line scan measurements, but there is no current algorithm which integrates optimized identification and analysis of ROIs in two-dimensional image sequences. Here an algorithm for rapid acquisition and analysis of ROIs in image sequences is described. It utilizes ellipses fit to noise filtered signals in order to determine optimal ROI placement, and computes Ca2+ signal parameters of amplitude, duration and spatial spread. This algorithm was implemented as a freely available plugin for ImageJ (NIH) software. Together with analysis scripts written for the open source statistical processing software R, this approach provides a high-capacity pipeline for performing quick statistical analysis of experimental output. The authors suggest that use of this analysis protocol will lead to a more complete and unbiased characterization of physiologic Ca2+ signaling.

A custom algorithm, LC_Pro, was developed and implemented in order to perform automated analysis of Ca2+ dynamics on confocal image sequences. As depicted in Figure 1, the algorithm utilizes sequential processing modules that A) detect and track sites of dynamic Ca2+ change above statistical (p &#60; 0.01) noise, B) define regions of interest (ROI) automatically at active site centers, and C) calculate average fluorescence intensities at ROIs to determine specific event parameters. ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Automated Analysis of Dynamic Ca2+ Signals in Image Sequences at JoVE.com

Automated Analysis of Dynamic Ca2+ Signals in Image Sequences

Here a novel region of interest analysis protocol based on sorting best-fit ellipses assigned to regions of positive signal within two-dimensional time lapse image sequences is demonstrated. This algorithm may enable investigators to comprehensively analyze physiological Ca2+ signals with minimal user input and bias.

Automated Analysis of Dynamic Ca2+ Signals in Image Sequences

Intracellular Ca2+ signals are commonly studied with fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dyes and microscopy techniques. However, quantitative analysis of Ca2+ ...

automated-analysis-of-dynamic-ca2-signals-in-image-sequences

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

17.0K Views.  University of South Alabama. Here a novel region of interest analysis protocol based on sorting best-fit ellipses assigned to regions of positive signal within two-dimensional time lapse image sequences is demonstrated. This algorithm may enable investigators to comprehensively analyze physiological Ca2+ signals with minimal user input and bias.

Video: Automated Analysis of Dynamic Ca2+ Signals in Image Sequences

Application of Light-cured Dental Adhesive Resin for Mounting Electrodes or Microdialysis Probes in Chronic Experiments

In chronic recording experiments, self-curing dental acrylic resins have been used as a mounting base of electrodes or microdialysis-probes. Since these acrylics do not bond to the bone, screws have been used as anchors. However, in small experimental animals like finches or mouse, their craniums are very fragile and can not successfully hold the anchors. In this report, we propose a new application of light-curing dental resins for mounting base of electrodes or microdialysis probes in chronic experiments. This material allows direct bonding to the cranium. Therefore, anchor screws are not required and surgical field can be reduced considerably. Past experiences show that the bonding effect maintains more than 2 months. Conventional resin's window of time when the materials are pliable and workable is a few minutes. However, the window of working time for these dental adhesives is significantly wider and adjustable.

In this report, we propose a new application of light-curing dental resins for mounting base of electrodes or microdialysis probes in chronic experiments. This material allows direct bonding to the cranium.

In chronic recording experiments, self-curing dental acrylic resins have been used as a mounting base of electrodes or microdialysis-probes. Since these ...

Semi-automated Optical Heartbeat Analysis of Small Hearts

We have developed a method for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts (Fink, et. al., 2009). Our Semi-automatic Optical Heartbeat Analysis (SOHA) uses a novel movement detection algorithm that is able to detect cardiac movements associated with individual contractile and relaxation events. The program provides a host of physiologically relevant readouts including systolic and diastolic intervals, heart rate, as well as qualitative and quantitative measures of heartbeat arrhythmicity. The program also calculates heart diameter measurements during both diastole and systole from which fractional shortening and fractional area changes are calculated. Output is provided as a digital file compatible with most spreadsheet programs. Measurements are made for every heartbeat in a record increasing the statistical power of the output. We demonstrate each of the steps where user input is required and show the application of our methodology to the analysis of heart function in all three genetically tractable heart models.

We have developed a Semi-automated Optical Heartbeat Analysis method (SOHA) for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts. We demonstrate the application of our methodology to the analysis of heart function in fruit fly and embryonic mouse hearts.

We have developed a method for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts (Fink, et. al., 2009). Our ...

Mosaic Zebrafish Transgenesis for Evaluating Enhancer Sequences

The completion of the human genome sequence, along with that of many other species, has highlighted the challenge of ascribing specific function to non coding sequences. One prominent function carried out by the non coding fraction of the genome is to regulate gene transcription; however, there are no effective methods to broadly predict cis-regulatory elements from primary DNA sequence. We have developed an efficient protocol to functionally evaluate potential cis-regulatory elements through zebrafish transgenesis. Our approach offers significant advantages over cell-culture based techniques for developmentally important genes, since it provides information on spatial and temporal gene regulation. Conversely, it is faster and less expensive than similar experiments in transgenic mice, and we routinely apply it to sequences isolated from the human genome. Here we demonstrate our approach to selecting elements for testing based on sequence conservation and our protocol for cloning sequences and microinjecting them into zebrafish embryos.

We demonstrate our approach to finding potential enhancer elements from developmentally regulated genes and evaluating their function through mosaic zebrafish transgenesis.

The completion of the human genome sequence, along with that of many other species, has highlighted the challenge of ascribing specific function to non ...

Robotics and Dynamic Image Analysis for Studies of Gene Expression in Plant Tissues

Gene expression in plant tissues is typically studied by destructive extraction of compounds from plant tissues for in vitro analyses. The methods presented here utilize the green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene for continual monitoring of gene expression in the same pieces of tissues, over time. The gfp gene was placed under regulatory control of different promoters and introduced into lima bean cotyledonary tissues via particle bombardment. Cotyledons were then placed on a robotic image collection system, which consisted of a fluorescence dissecting microscope with a digital camera and a 2-dimensional robotics platform custom-designed to allow secure attachment of culture dishes. Images were collected from cotyledonary tissues every hour for 100 hours to generate expression profiles for each promoter. Each collected series of 100 images was first subjected to manual image alignment using ImageReady to make certain that GFP-expressing foci were consistently retained within selected fields of analysis. Specific regions of the series measuring 300 x 400 pixels, were then selected for further analysis to provide GFP Intensity measurements using ImageJ software. Batch images were separated into the red, green and blue channels and GFP-expressing areas were identified using the threshold feature of ImageJ. After subtracting the background fluorescence (subtraction of gray values of non-expressing pixels from every pixel) in the respective red and green channels, GFP intensity was calculated by multiplying the mean grayscale value per pixel by the total number of GFP-expressing pixels in each channel, and then adding those values for both the red and green channels. GFP Intensity values were collected for all 100 time points to yield expression profiles. Variations in GFP expression profiles resulted from differences in factors such as promoter strength, presence of a silencing suppressor, or nature of the promoter. In addition to quantification of GFP intensity, the image series were also used to generate time-lapse animations using ImageReady. Time-lapse animations revealed that the clear majority of cells displayed a relatively rapid increase in GFP expression, followed by a slow decline. Some cells occasionally displayed a sudden loss of fluorescence, which may be associated with rapid cell death. Apparent transport of GFP across the membrane and cell wall to adjacent cells was also observed. Time lapse animations provided additional information that could not otherwise be obtained using GFP Intensity profiles or single time point image collections.

We report a method for introduction, tracking and quantitative analysis of GFP expression in plant cells. This method utilizes a custom-designed robotics system for semi-continuous image collection from large numbers of samples, over time. We also demonstrate the use of ImageJ and ImageReady for analysis of image series.

Gene expression in plant tissues is typically studied by destructive extraction of compounds from plant tissues for in vitro analyses. The methods ...

Development of automated imaging and analysis for zebrafish chemical screens.

We demonstrate the application of image-based high-content screening (HCS) methodology to identify small molecules that can modulate the FGF/RAS/MAPK pathway in zebrafish embryos. The zebrafish embryo is an ideal system for in vivo high-content chemical screens. The 1-day old embryo is approximately 1mm in diameter and can be easily arrayed into 96-well plates, a standard format for high throughput screening. During the first day of development, embryos are transparent with most of the major organs present, thus enabling visualization of tissue formation during embryogenesis. The complete automation of zebrafish chemical screens is still a challenge, however, particularly in the development of automated image acquisition and analysis. We previously generated a transgenic reporter line that expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of FGF activity and demonstrated their utility in chemical screens 1. To establish methodology for high throughput whole organism screens, we developed a system for automated imaging and analysis of zebrafish embryos at 24-48 hours post fertilization (hpf) in 96-well plates 2. In this video we highlight the procedures for arraying transgenic embryos into multiwell plates at 24hpf and the addition of a small molecule (BCI) that hyperactivates FGF signaling 3. The plates are incubated for 6 hours followed by the addition of tricaine to anesthetize larvae prior to automated imaging on a Molecular Devices ImageXpress Ultra laser scanning confocal HCS reader. Images are processed by Definiens Developer software using a Cognition Network Technology algorithm that we developed to detect and quantify expression of GFP in the heads of transgenic embryos. In this example we highlight the ability of the algorithm to measure dose-dependent effects of BCI on GFP reporter gene expression in treated embryos.

We report the development of a system for automated imaging and analysis of zebrafish transgenic embryos in multiwell plates. This demonstrates the ability to measure dose dependent effects of a small molecule, BCI, on Fibroblast Growth Factor reporter gene expression and provide technology for establishing high-throughput zebrafish chemical screens.

We demonstrate the application of image-based high-content screening (HCS) methodology to identify small molecules that can modulate the FGF/RAS/MAPK ...

Techniques for Imaging Ca2+ Signaling in Human Sperm

Fluorescence microscopy of cells loaded with fluorescent, Ca2+-sensitive dyes is used for measurement of spatial and temporal aspects of Ca2+ signaling in live cells. Here we describe the method used in our laboratories for loading suspensions of human sperm with Ca2+-reporting dyes and measuring the fluorescence signal during physiological stimulation. Motile cells are isolated by direct swim-up and incubated under capacitating conditions for 0-24 h, depending upon the experiment. The cell-permeant AM (acetoxy methyl ester) ester form of the Ca2+-reporting dye is then added to a cell aliquot and a period of 1 h is allowed for loading of the dye into the cytoplasm. We use visible wavelength dyes to minimize photo-damage to the cells, but this means that ratiometric recording is not possible. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed. During the loading period cells are introduced into an imaging chamber and allowed to adhere to a poly-D-lysine coated coverslip. At the end of the loading period excess dye and loose cells are removed by connection of the chamber to the perfusion apparatus. The chamber is perfused continuously, stimuli and modified salines are then added to the perfusion header. Experiments are recorded by time-lapse acquisition of fluorescence images and analyzed in detail offline, by manually drawing regions of interest. Data are normalized to pre-stimulus levels such that, for each cell (or part of a cell), a graph showing the Ca2+ response as % change in fluorescence is obtained.

Techniques for Imaging Ca2+ Signaling in Human Sperm

Stimulus-evoked [Ca2+]i signals of individual human sperm are assessed. Motile cells are loaded with Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye (AM-ester method) and immobilised in a perfusable chamber. Cells are imaged by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy and stimulated via the perfusing medium. Responses of single cells (or regions) are analysed offline using Excel.

Fluorescence microscopy of cells loaded with fluorescent, Ca2+-sensitive dyes is used for measurement of spatial and temporal aspects of Ca2+ signaling in ...

ReAsH/FlAsH Labeling and Image Analysis of Tetracysteine Sensor Proteins in Cells

Fluorescent proteins and dyes are essential tools for the study of protein trafficking, localization and function in cells. While fluorescent 
proteins such as green fluorescence protein (GFP) have been extensively used as fusion partners to proteins to track the properties of a protein of interest1, recent 
developments with smaller tags enable new functionalities of proteins to be examined in cells such as conformational change and protein-association 2, 3. One small 
tag system involves a tetracysteine motif (CCXXCC) genetically inserted into a target protein, which binds to biarsenical dyes, ReAsH (red fluorescent) and FlAsH 
(green fluorescent), with high specificity even in live cells 2. The TC/biarsenical dye system offers far less steric constraints to the host protein than 
fluorescent proteins which has enabled several new approaches to measure conformational change and protein-protein interactions 4-7. We recently developed 
a novel application of TC tags as sensors of oligomerization in cells expressing mutant huntingtin, which when mutated aggregates in neurons in Huntington 
disease 7. Huntingtin was tagged with two fluorescent dyes, one a fluorescent protein to track protein location, and the second a TC tag which only 
binds biarsenical dyes in monomers. Hence, changes in colocalization between protein and biarsenical dye reactivity enabled submicroscopic oligomer 
content to be spatially mapped within cells. Here, we describe how to label TC-tagged proteins fused to a fluorescent protein (Cherry, GFP or CFP) 
with FlAsH or ReAsH in live mammalian cells and how to quantify the two color fluorescence (Cherry/FlAsH, CFP/FlAsH or GFP/ReAsH combinations).

The biarsenical dyes FlAsH and ReAsH bind specifically to tetracysteine motifs in proteins and can selectively label proteins in live cells. Recently this labeling strategy has been used to develop sensors for different protein conformations or oligomeric states. We describe the labeling approach and methods to quantitatively analyze binding.

Fluorescent proteins and dyes are essential tools for the study of protein trafficking, localization and function in cells.  While fluorescent 
proteins ...

Measuring Spatial and Temporal Ca2+ Signals in Arabidopsis Plants

Developmental and environmental cues induce Ca2+ fluctuations in plant cells. Stimulus-specific spatial-temporal Ca2+ patterns are sensed by cellular Ca2+ binding proteins that initiate Ca2+ signaling cascades. However, we still know little about how stimulus specific Ca2+ signals are generated. The specificity of a Ca2+ signal may be attributed to the sophisticated regulation of the activities of Ca2+ channels and/or transporters in response to a given stimulus. To identify these cellular components and understand their functions, it is crucial to use systems that allow a sensitive and robust recording of Ca2+ signals at both the tissue and cellular levels. Genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators that are targeted to different cellular compartments have provided a platform for live cell confocal imaging of cellular Ca2+ signals. Here we describe instructions for the use of two Ca2+ detection systems: aequorin based FAS (film adhesive seedlings) luminescence Ca2+ imaging and case12 based live cell confocal fluorescence Ca2+ imaging. Luminescence imaging using the FAS system provides a simple, robust and sensitive detection of spatial and temporal Ca2+ signals at the tissue level, while live cell confocal imaging using Case12 provides simultaneous detection of cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ signals at a high resolution.

Measuring Spatial and Temporal Ca2+ Signals in Arabidopsis Plants

Ca2+ signaling regulates diverse biological processes in plants. Here we present approaches for monitoring abiotic stress induced spatial and temporal Ca2+ signals in Arabidopsis cells and tissues using the genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators Aequorin or Case12.

Developmental and environmental cues induce Ca2+ fluctuations in plant cells. Stimulus-specific spatial-temporal Ca2+ patterns are sensed by cellular Ca2+ ...

Imaging Local Ca2+ Signals in Cultured Mammalian Cells

Cytosolic Ca2+ ions regulate numerous aspects of cellular activity in almost all cell types, controlling processes as wide-ranging as gene transcription, electrical excitability and cell proliferation. The diversity and specificity of Ca2+ signaling derives from mechanisms by which Ca2+ signals are generated to act over different time and spatial scales, ranging from cell-wide oscillations and waves occurring over the periods of minutes to local transient Ca2+ microdomains (Ca2+ puffs) lasting milliseconds. Recent advances in electron multiplied CCD (EMCCD) cameras now allow for imaging of local Ca2+ signals with a 128 x 128 pixel spatial resolution at rates of &#62;500 frames sec-1 (fps). This approach is highly parallel and enables the simultaneous monitoring of hundreds of channels or puff sites in a single experiment. However, the vast amounts of data generated (ca. 1 Gb per min) render visual identification and analysis of local Ca2+ events impracticable. Here we describe and demonstrate the procedures for the acquisition, detection, and analysis of local IP3-mediated Ca2+ signals in intact mammalian cells loaded with Ca2+ indicators using both wide-field epi-fluorescence (WF) and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. Furthermore, we describe an algorithm developed within the open-source software environment Python that automates the identification and analysis of these local Ca2+ signals. The algorithm localizes sites of Ca2+ release with sub-pixel resolution; allows user review of data; and outputs time sequences of fluorescence ratio signals together with amplitude and kinetic data in an Excel-compatible table.

Imaging Local Ca2+ Signals in Cultured Mammalian Cells

Here we present techniques for imaging local IP3-mediated Ca2+ events using fluorescence microscopy in intact mammalian cells loaded with Ca2+ indicators together with an algorithm that automates identification and analysis of these events.

Cytosolic Ca2+ ions regulate numerous aspects of cellular activity in almost all cell types, controlling processes as wide-ranging as gene transcription, ...

High-resolution Time-lapse Imaging and Automated Analysis of Microtubule Dynamics in Living Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

The physiological process by which new vasculature forms from existing vasculature requires specific signaling events that trigger morphological changes within individual endothelial cells (ECs). These processes are critical for homeostatic maintenance such as wound healing, and are also crucial in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. EC morphology is defined by the organization of the cytoskeleton, a tightly regulated system of actin and microtubule (MT) dynamics that is known to control EC branching, polarity and directional migration, essential components of angiogenesis. To study MT dynamics, we used high-resolution fluorescence microscopy coupled with computational image analysis of fluorescently-labeled MT plus-ends to investigate MT growth dynamics and the regulation of EC branching morphology and directional migration. Time-lapse imaging of living Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) was performed following transfection with fluorescently-labeled MT End Binding protein 3 (EB3) and Mitotic Centromere Associated Kinesin (MCAK)-specific cDNA constructs to evaluate effects on MT dynamics. PlusTipTracker software was used to track EB3-labeled MT plus ends in order to measure MT growth speeds and MT growth lifetimes in time-lapse images. This methodology allows for the study of MT dynamics and the identification of how localized regulation of MT dynamics within sub-cellular regions contributes to the angiogenic processes of EC branching and migration.

Protocols for Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC) culture, transient transfection of fluorescently-labeled markers of microtubule growth, live-cell imaging and automated analysis of interphase microtubule growth dynamics are detailed.

The physiological process by which new vasculature forms from existing vasculature requires specific signaling events that trigger morphological changes ...