Abstract
In vivo imaging has revolutionized our understanding of biological processes in brain physiology and pathology. However, breathing-induced movement artifacts have impeded the application of this powerful tool in studies of the living spinal cord. Here we describe in detail a method to image stably and repetitively, using two-photon microscopy, the living spinal tissue in mice with dense fluorescent cells or axons, without the need for animal intubation or image post-processing. This simplified technique can greatly expand the application of in vivo imaging to study spinal cord injury, regeneration, physiology and disease.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Acepromazine / pharmacology
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Anesthesia / methods*
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Anesthetics / pharmacology
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Animals
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Axons / physiology
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Axons / ultrastructure
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Capillaries / cytology
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Capillaries / physiology
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Cell Movement / physiology
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Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics*
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Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
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Ketamine / pharmacology
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Laminectomy / methods
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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Microcirculation / cytology
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Microcirculation / physiology
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Microglia / cytology
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Microglia / physiology
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Microscopy, Confocal / methods*
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Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
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Respiratory Physiological Phenomena / drug effects
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Spinal Cord / blood supply
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Spinal Cord / cytology*
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Staining and Labeling / methods*
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Stereotaxic Techniques / instrumentation
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Urethane / pharmacology
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Xylazine / pharmacology
Substances
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Anesthetics
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Green Fluorescent Proteins
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Xylazine
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Urethane
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Acepromazine
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Ketamine