SignificanceAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a predominant form of dementia that can lead to a decline in the quality of life and mortality. The understanding of the pathological changes requires monitoring of multiple cerebral biomarkers simultaneously with high resolution. Photoacoustic microscopy resolves single capillaries, allowing investigations into the most affected types of vessels. Combined with confocal fluorescence microscopy, the relationship between plaque deposition and small vessel pathology could be better understood.AimWe aim to introduce a dual-modality imaging system combining photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) to provide a comprehensive view of both cerebral cortical vessels and amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque in AD mouse model in vivo and to identify the pathological changes of these two biomarkers.ApproachWe developed a dual-modality imaging system to image both cerebral vessel structure and Aβ plaque on groups of mice with different ages and phenotypes. Vessel imaging is enabled by PAM, whereas Aβ plaque is imaged by CFM with the aid of fluorescent dye.ResultsThe small vessel density in the AD group was significantly lower than in the control group, whereas the Aβ plaque density in the AD group was not only higher but also increased with age.ConclusionsThis dual-modality system provides a powerful platform for biomarker monitoring of AD expressing multi-dimensional pathological changes.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder usually accompanied by buildup of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, cerebral vascular morphological and functional changes. Our study presents a combined photoacoustic microscopy and fluorescence microscopy dual-modality imaging system for in-vivo monitoring of biomarkers for AD via cranial window. Photoacoustic microscopy resolves vasculature, blood oxygenation and flow speed at capillary level, while a confocally designed fluorescence microscope, aided by an Aβ targeting dye, maps the distribution of Aβ plaques. Results with age-varied AD mice group showed reduced capillary density, varied flow speed in vein, and increased plaque density compared to wild type mice. This technique provides guidance for longitudinal monitoring of AD progression.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder usually accompanied by buildup of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, cerebral vascular morphological and functional changes. Our study presents a combined photoacoustic microscopy and fluorescence microscopy dual-modality imaging system for in-vivo monitoring of biomarkers for AD via cranial window. Photoacoustic microscopy resolves vasculature, blood oxygenation and flow speed at capillary level, while a confocally designed fluorescence microscope, aided by an Aβ targeting dye, maps the distribution of Aβ plaques. Results with age-varied AD mice group showed reduced vessel density, decreased perfusion at distal capillaries, and increased plaque density compared to wild type mice. This technique provides guidance for longitudinal monitoring of AD progression.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.