High-resolution in vivo optical imaging of stroke injury and repair

Brain Res. 2015 Oct 14:1623:174-92. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.04.044. Epub 2015 May 8.

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) function and dysfunction are best understood within a framework of interactions between neuronal, glial and vascular compartments comprising the neurovascular unit (NVU), all of which contribute to stroke-induced CNS injury, plasticity, repair, and recovery. Recent advances in in vivo optical microscopy have enabled us to observe and interrogate cells and their processes with high spatial resolution in real time and in their natural environment deep in the brain tissue. Here, we review some of these state-of-the-art imaging techniques with an emphasis on imaging the interactions among the constituents of the NVU during ischemic injury and repair in small animal models. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Cell Interactions In Stroke.

Keywords: Cellular imaging; High-resolution; Multi-photon microscopy; Optical coherence tomography; Optical imaging; Photoacoustic imaging; Stroke.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / blood supply
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Cell Communication / physiology
  • Optical Imaging / methods*
  • Stroke / pathology
  • Stroke / physiopathology*