Open AccessHigh-resolution three-dimensional in vivo imaging of mouse oviduct using optical coherence tomography
Author(s) -
Jason C. Burton,
Shang Wang,
C. Allison Stewart,
Richard R. Behringer,
Irina V. Larina
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
biomedical optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.362
H-Index - 86
ISSN - 2156-7085
DOI - 10.1364/boe.6.002713
Subject(s) - optical coherence tomography , oviduct , infertility , preclinical imaging , biology , live cell imaging , visualization , in vivo , computer science , optics , genetics , artificial intelligence , physics , endocrinology , pregnancy , cell
The understanding of the reproductive events and the molecular mechanisms regulating fertility and infertility in humans relies heavily on the analysis of the corresponding phenotypes in mouse models. While molecular genetic approaches provide significant insight into the molecular regulation of these processes, the lack of live imaging methods that allow for detailed visualization of the mouse reproductive organs limits our investigations of dynamic events taking place during the ovulation, the fertilization and the pre-implantation stages of embryonic development. Here we introduce an in vivo three-dimensional imaging approach for visualizing the mouse oviduct and reproductive events with micro-scale spatial resolution using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This method relies on the natural tissue optical contrast and does not require the application of any contrast agents. For the first time, we present live high-resolution images of the internal structural features of the oviduct, as well as other reproductive organs and the oocytes surrounded by cumulus cells. These results provide the basis for a wide range of live dynamic studies focused on understanding fertility and infertility.