Three-dimensional laser scanning two-photon fluorescence confocal microscopy of polymer materials using a new, efficient upconverting fluorophore

Multiphoton In Vivo Microscopy of Embryonic Thrombopoiesis Reveals the Generation of Platelets through Budding

Platelets are generated by specialized cells called megakaryocytes (MKs). However, MK's origin and platelet release mode have remained incompletely understood. Here, we established direct visualization of embryonic thrombopoiesis in vivo by combining multiphoton intravital microscopy (MP-IVM) with a fluorescence switch reporter mouse model under control of the platelet factor 4 promoter (Pf4CreRosa26mTmG). Using this microscopy tool, we discovered that fetal liver MKs provide higher thrombopoietic activity than yolk sac MKs. Mechanistically, fetal platelets were released from MKs either by membrane buds or the formation of proplatelets, with the former constituting the key process. In E14.5 c-Myb-deficient embryos that lack definitive hematopoiesis, MK and platelet numbers were similar to wild-type embryos, indicating the independence of embryonic thrombopoiesis from definitive hematopoiesis at this stage of development. In summary, our novel MP-IVM protocol allows the characterization of thrombopoiesis with high spatio-temporal resolution in the mouse embryo and has identified membrane budding as the main mechanism of fetal platelet production.

A chemically labeled cytotoxic agent: two-photon fluorophore for optical tracking of cellular pathway in chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of cancers. However, the mechanism of action of many of these agents is not well understood. We present the synthesis of a two-photon fluorophore (C625) and its biological application when chemically linked to a chemotherapeutic agent (AN-152). By using two-photon laser-scanning microscopy, the drug:fluorophore conjugate can be observed directly as it interacts with receptor-positive cell lines. The results of this project visually show the receptor-mediated entry of AN-152 into the cell cytoplasm and subsequently into the nucleus. These observations will allow for better understanding of the drug's therapeutic mechanism, which is a subject of ongoing research aimed at improving present methods for cancer therapy.

Two-photon photodynamic therapy

OBJECTIVE

We demonstrate the use of infrared excitation in conjunction with an efficient two-photon absorbing dye and a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

An efficient two-photon absorbing dye is excited by short infrared (800 nm) laser pulses, which transfer its energy to the photosensitizer and the photosensitizer, in turn, generates the singlet oxygen.

METHODS

A new approach to photodynamic cancer therapy based on the strong two-photon absorption of certain newly developed organic molecules. Near infrared pulsed laser light efficiently excites these molecules which, in turn, transfer the energy to the photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy.

RESULTS

A newly synthesized two-photon absorbing dye 4-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-(methyl) amino phenyl]-4'-(6-hydroxyhexyl sulfonyl)stilbene (APSS), which exhibits a strong two-photon absorption at 800 nm, and upconverted fluorescence at 520 nm, in solution in the presence of a photosensitizer was found to generate singlet oxygen under infrared excitation (800 nm). The generation of singlet oxygen in a reaction system containing two-photon absorbing dye and photosensitizer under infrared excitation has been chemically detected by using ADPA (9,10-anthracenedipropionic acid) as singlet oxygen detector.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficient two-photon absorption of certain chromophores can be used to extend photodynamic therapy to the near infrared spectral region. Whereas the photosensitizer itself may not exhibit two-photon absorption, it could be used in conjunction with one of these new chromophores. The chromophores can act as "photon harvesters" whereby they absorb two photons of near infrared light and transfer the energy to the photosensitizer, which can generate singlet oxygen in the presence of atmospheric oxygen.

Fact and artefact in confocal microscopy

High-resolution confocal microscopic images may be made of either the surface of a sample or beneath the surface. These images can be likened to optical tomograms, giving thin (> 0.35 micron) slices up to 200 microns below the surface of a transparent tissue: With microscopes running under normal conditions, the optical section thickness will be > 1 micron and the effective penetration into enamel and dentin a maximum of 100 microns. For maximum resolution, high-quality, high-numerical-aperture objectives should be used. Refractive index matching of the lens immersion media and the substrate will avoid distortions of images in the optical axis. Such errors could occur when imaging a considerable distance (> 40 microns) into a cell containing water, with an oil immersion objective above the cover slip. Care should be taken in the interpretation of computerized z axis reconstructions made from serial optical sections: Their validity should be checked with equivalent views made with the sample oriented in the same direction as the reconstruction. The use of fluorescent dyes in microscopy is a very powerful investigative technique. It is important that the dyes used not be labile and that they be well-fixed to the materials being examined, or the images may indicate the dye distribution rather than the material to which it is "attached". Multiple labeling experiments must have crossover control experiments to verify the distribution of the individual dyes. Valuable information can often be gained by combining information from both reflection and fluorescence images. Two-photon laser excitation of dyes gives the potential for greater depth penetration and improved resolution.