Intubation-free in vivo imaging of the tracheal mucosa using two-photon microscopy.

ABSTRACT: The mucosal layer of conducting airways is the primary tissue exposed to inhaled microorganisms, allergens and pollutants. We developed an in vivo two-photon microscopic approach that allows performing dynamic imaging studies in the mouse trachea, which is a commonly used in vivo model of human small-diameter bronchi. By providing stabilized access to the tracheal mucosa without intubation, our setup uniquely allows dynamic in vivo imaging of mucociliary clearance and steady-state immune cell behavior within the complex airway mucosal tissue.

SUBMITTER: Veres TZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5429620 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature