Multispectral intravital microscopy for simultaneous bright-field and fluorescence imaging of the microvasculature.

Janssen, Barry G H; Najiminaini, Mohamadreza; Zhang, Yan Min; Omidi, Parsa; Carson, Jeffrey J L

Intravital video microscopy permits the observation of microcirculatory blood flow. This often requires fluorescent probes to visualize structures and dynamic processes that cannot be observed with conventional bright-field microscopy. Conventional light microscopes do not allow for simultaneous bright-field and fluorescent imaging. Moreover, in conventional microscopes, only one type of fluorescent label can be observed. This study introduces multispectral intravital video microscopy, which combines bright-field and fluorescence microscopy in a standard light microscope. The technique enables simultaneous real-time observation of fluorescently-labeled structures in relation to their direct physical surroundings. The advancement provides context for the orientation, movement, and function of labeled structures in the microcirculation.