In vivo functional microangiography by visible-light optical coherence tomography

Visible-light optical coherence tomography and its applications

Visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) is an emerging OCT technology that uses visible rather than near-infrared illumination and is useful for pre-clinical and clinical imaging. It provides one-micron level axial resolution and distinct scattering and absorption contrast that enables oximetry but requires additional considerations in system implementation and practical settings. We review the development of vis-OCT and demonstrated applications. We also provide insights into prospects and possible technological improvements that may address current challenges.

In Vivo Quantification of Anterior and Posterior Chamber Volumes in Mice: Implications for Aqueous Humor Dynamics

Purpose

Aqueous humor inflow rate, a key parameter influencing aqueous humor dynamics, is typically measured by fluorophotometry. Analyzing fluorophotometric data depends, inter alia, on the volume of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber but not the posterior chamber. Previous fluorophotometric studies of the aqueous inflow rate in mice have assumed the ratio of anterior:posterior volumes in mice to be similar to those in humans. Our goal was to measure anterior and posterior chamber volumes in mice to facilitate better estimates of aqueous inflow rates.

Methods

We used standard near-infrared (NIR) optical coherence tomography (OCT) and robotic visible-light OCT (vis-OCT) to visualize, reconstruct, and quantify the volumes of the anterior and posterior chambers of the mouse eye in vivo. We used histology and micro-computed tomography (CT) scans to validate relevant landmarks from ex vivo tissues and facilitate in vivo measurement.

Results

Posterior chamber volume is 1.1 times the anterior chamber volume in BALB/cAnNCrl mice, that is, the anterior chamber constitutes about 47% of the total aqueous humor volume, which is very dissimilar to the situation in humans. Anterior chamber volumes in 2-month-old BALB/cAnNCrl and C57BL6/J mice were 1.55 ± 0.36 µL (n = 10) and 2.05 ± 0.25 µL (n = 10), respectively. This implies that previous studies likely overestimated the aqueous inflow rate by approximately twofold.

Conclusions

It is necessary to reassess previously reported estimates of aqueous inflow rates and, thus, aqueous humor dynamics in the mouse. For example, we now estimate that only 0% to 15% of aqueous humor drains via the pressure-independent (unconventional) route, similar to that seen in humans and monkeys.

In vivo quantification of anterior and posterior chamber volumes in mice: implications for aqueous humor dynamics

Purpose

Aqueous humor inflow rate, a key parameter influencing aqueous humor dynamics, is typically measured by fluorophotometery. Analyzing fluorophotometric data depends, inter alia, on the volume of aqueous humor in the anterior, but not the posterior, chamber. Previous fluorophotometric studies of aqueous inflow rate in mice have assumed the ratio of anterior:posterior volumes in mice to be similar to those in humans. Our goal was to measure anterior and posterior chamber volumes in mice to facilitate better estimates of aqueous inflow rates.

Methods

We used standard near-infrared optical coherence tomography (OCT) and robotic visible-light OCT (vis-OCT) to visualize, reconstruct and quantify the volumes of the anterior and posterior chambers of the mouse eye in vivo. We used histology and micro-CT scans to validate relevant landmarks from ex vivo tissues to facilitate in vivo measurement.

Results

Posterior chamber volume is 1.1 times the anterior chamber volume in BALB/cAnNCrl mice, i.e. the anterior chamber constitutes about 47% of the total aqueous humor volume, which is very dissimilar to the situation in humans. Anterior chamber volumes in 2-month-old BALB/cAnNCrl and 7-month-old C57BL6/J mice were 1.55 ± 0.36 μL (n=10) and 2.41 ± 0.29 μL (n=8), respectively. This implies that previous studies likely over-estimated aqueous inflow rate by approximately two-fold.

Conclusions

It is necessary to reassess previously reported estimates of aqueous inflow rates, and thus aqueous humor dynamics in the mouse. For example, we now estimate that only 0-15% of aqueous humor drains via the pressure-independent (unconventional) route, similar to that seen in humans and monkeys.

Freeform robotic optical coherence tomography beyond the optical field-of-view limit

Imaging complex, non-planar anatomies with optical coherence tomography (OCT) is limited by the optical field of view (FOV) in a single volumetric acquisition. Combining linear mechanical translation with OCT extends the FOV but suffers from inflexibility in imaging non-planar anatomies. We report the freeform robotic OCT to fill this gap. To address challenges in volumetric reconstruction associated with the robotic movement accuracy being two orders of magnitudes worse than OCT imaging resolution, we developed a volumetric registration algorithm based on simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) to overcome this limitation. We imaged the entire aqueous humor outflow pathway, whose imaging has the potential to customize glaucoma surgeries but is typically constrained by the FOV, circumferentially in mice as a test. We acquired volumetric OCT data at different robotic poses and reconstructed the entire anterior segment of the eye. The reconstructed volumes showed heterogeneous Schlemm's canal (SC) morphology in the reconstructed anterior segment and revealed a segmental nature in the circumferential distribution of collector channels (CC) with spatial features as small as a few micrometers.

Reconstruction of visible light optical coherence tomography images retrieved from discontinuous spectral data using a conditional generative adversarial network

Achieving high resolution in optical coherence tomography typically requires the continuous extension of the spectral bandwidth of the light source. This work demonstrates an alternative approach: combining two discrete spectral windows located in the visible spectrum with a trained conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) to reconstruct a high-resolution image equivalent to that generated using a continuous spectral band. The cGAN was trained using OCT image pairs acquired with the continuous and discontinuous visible range spectra to learn the relation between low- and high-resolution data. The reconstruction performance was tested using 6000 B-scans of a layered phantom, micro-beads and ex-vivo mouse ear tissue. The resultant cGAN-generated images demonstrate an image quality and axial resolution which approaches that of the high-resolution system.

Optical Coherence Tomography and Glaucoma

Early detection and monitoring are critical to the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, a progressive optic neuropathy that causes irreversible blindness. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a commonly utilized imaging modality that aids in the detection and monitoring of structural glaucomatous damage. Since its inception in 1991, OCT has progressed through multiple iterations, from time-domain OCT, to spectral-domain OCT, to swept-source OCT, all of which have progressively improved the resolution and speed of scans. Even newer technological advancements and OCT applications, such as adaptive optics, visible-light OCT, and OCT-angiography, have enriched the use of OCT in the evaluation of glaucoma. This article reviews current commercial and state-of-the-art OCT technologies and analytic techniques in the context of their utility for glaucoma diagnosis and management, as well as promising future directions.

Detection of cutaneous oxygen saturation using a novel snapshot hyperspectral camera: a feasibility study

Background

Tissue necrosis, a consequence of inadequate tissue oxygenation, is a common post-operative complication. As current surgical assessments are often limited to visual and tactile feedback, additional techniques that can aid in the interrogation of tissue viability are needed to improve patient outcomes. In this bi-institutional pilot study, the performance of a novel snapshot hyperspectral imaging camera to detect superficial cutaneous oxygen saturation (StO₂) was evaluated.

Methods

Healthy human volunteers were recruited at two participating centers. Cutaneous StO₂ of the forearm was determined by a snapshot hyperspectral camera on two separate study days during occlusion-reperfusion of the brachial artery and after induction of local vasodilation. To calculate the blood StO₂ at each pixel in the multispectral image, spectra were selected, and fitting was performed over wavelengths ranging from 470 to 950 nm.

Results

Quantitative detection of physiological changes in cutaneous StO₂ levels was feasible in all sixteen volunteers. A significant (P<0.001) decrease in cutaneous StO₂ levels from 78.3% (SD: 15.3) at baseline to 60.6% (SD: 19.8) at the end of occlusion phase was observed, although StO₂ levels returned to baseline after five minutes. Mean cutaneous StO₂ values were similar in the same subjects on separate study days (Pearson R2: 0.92 and 0.77, respectively) at both centers. Local vasodilation did not yield significant changes in cutaneous StO₂ values.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of a snapshot hyperspectral camera for detecting quantitative physiological changes in cutaneous StO₂ in normal human volunteers, and serves as a precursor for further validation in perioperative studies.

Design and optimization of line-field optical coherence tomography at visible wavebands

Parallel line-field Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (LF-FDOCT) has emerged to enable relatively higher speeds than the conventional FDOCT system. In the LF-FDOCT, one B-scan is captured at a time instead of scanning the beam to acquire hundreds of A-scans. On the other hand, spectroscopic OCT using the visible waveband provides absorption information over multiple wavelengths at each voxel. This information of spectral absorption enables quantitative measurement of blood oxygenation, voxel by voxel. Here, we presented the design and optimization of a LF-FDOCT system at the visible waveband (520-620 nm), especially using a generic Camera Link area sensor (2048 × 1088 pixels). To optimize the axial resolution and depth of imaging volume, we simulated various parameters and found that two Nyquist optima can exist, the origin and implication of which has been discussed. As a result, our system acquired 1088 A-scans in parallel at the camera's frame rate of 281 frame per second, achieving an equivalent rate of over 300,000 A-scan/s, while minimizing sacrifice in the point spread function (2.8 × 3.1 × 3.2 µm³, x × y × z) and the field of view (750 × 750 × 750 µm³). As an example of application, we presented high-speed imaging of blood oxygenation in the rodent brain cortex.

Design and optimization of line-field optical coherence tomography at visible wavebands

Parallel line-field Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (LF-FDOCT) has emerged to enable relatively higher speeds than the conventional FDOCT system. In the LF-FDOCT, one B-scan is captured at a time instead of scanning the beam to acquire hundreds of A-scans. On the other hand, spectroscopic OCT using the visible waveband provides absorption information over multiple wavelengths at each voxel. This information of spectral absorption enables quantitative measurement of blood oxygenation, voxel by voxel. Here, we presented the design and optimization of a LF-FDOCT system at the visible waveband (520-620 nm), especially using a generic Camera Link area sensor (2048 × 1088 pixels). To optimize the axial resolution and depth of imaging volume, we simulated various parameters and found that two Nyquist optima can exist, the origin and implication of which has been discussed. As a result, our system acquired 1088 A-scans in parallel at the camera's frame rate of 281 frame per second, achieving an equivalent rate of over 300,000 A-scan/s, while minimizing sacrifice in the point spread function (2.8 × 3.1 × 3.2 µm³, x × y × z) and the field of view (750 × 750 × 750 µm³). As an example of application, we presented high-speed imaging of blood oxygenation in the rodent brain cortex.

Visible light optical coherence tomography angiography (vis-OCTA) facilitates local microvascular oximetry in the human retina

We report herein the first visible light optical coherence tomography angiography (vis-OCTA) for human retinal imaging. Compared to the existing vis-OCT systems, we devised a spectrometer with a narrower bandwidth to increase the spectral power density for OCTA imaging, while retaining the major spectral contrast in the blood. We achieved a 100 kHz A-line rate, the fastest acquisition speed reported so far for human retinal vis-OCT. We rigorously optimized the imaging protocol such that a single acquisition took < 6 seconds with a field of view (FOV) of 3×7.8 mm². The angiography enables accurate localization of microvasculature down to the capillary level and thus enables oximetry at vessels < 100 µm in diameter. We demonstrated microvascular hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO₂) at the feeding and draining vessels at the perifoveal region. The longitudinal repeatability was assessed by < 5% coefficient of variation (CV). The unique capabilities of our vis-OCTA system may allow studies on the role of microvascular oxygen in various retinal pathologies.

In Vivo Imaging of Schlemm's Canal and Limbal Vascular Network in Mouse Using Visible-Light OCT

Purpose

To validate the ability of visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) in imaging the full Schlemm's canal (SC) and its surrounding limbal vascular network in mice in vivo through a compound circumlimbal scan.

Methods

We developed an anterior segment vis-OCT system and a compound circumlimbal scanning method, which montages eight rotated raster scans. We calibrated the circumlimbal scan geometry using a three-dimensional printed phantom eyeball before imaging wild-type C57BL/6J mice. We measured SC size by segmenting SC cross sections from vis-OCT B-scan images and imaged the limbal microvascular network using vis-OCT angiography (vis-OCTA). To introduce changes in SC size, we used a manometer to adjust the intraocular pressure (IOP) to different levels. To create additional optical scattering contrast to enhance SC imaging, we surgically increased the episcleral venous pressure (EVP) and caused blood reflux into SC.

Results

Using the compound circumlimbal scan, our anterior segment vis-OCT noninvasively imaged the full SC and limbal microvascular network in mouse for the first time. We observed an average 123% increase in SC volume when we decreased the IOP by 10 mm Hg from the baseline IOP of 7 to 10 mm Hg and an average 72% decrease in SC volume when the IOP level was elevated by 10 mm Hg from the baseline IOP. We also observed location-dependent SC size responses to IOP changes. Blood reflux caused by increased EVP enabled vis-OCTA to directly visualize SC, which matched well with the segmented SC.

Conclusions

Vis-OCT and vis-OCTA can accurately image the entire SC and limbal microvascular network in vivo using the compound circumlimbal scan. Vis-OCT is also able to quantitatively measure SC responses to changing IOP levels.

Deep spectral learning for label-free optical imaging oximetry with uncertainty quantification

Measurement of blood oxygen saturation (sO2) by optical imaging oximetry provides invaluable insight into local tissue functions and metabolism. Despite different embodiments and modalities, all label-free optical-imaging oximetry techniques utilize the same principle of sO2-dependent spectral contrast from haemoglobin. Traditional approaches for quantifying sO2 often rely on analytical models that are fitted by the spectral measurements. These approaches in practice suffer from uncertainties due to biological variability, tissue geometry, light scattering, systemic spectral bias, and variations in the experimental conditions. Here, we propose a new data-driven approach, termed deep spectral learning (DSL), to achieve oximetry that is highly robust to experimental variations and, more importantly, able to provide uncertainty quantification for each sO2 prediction. To demonstrate the robustness and generalizability of DSL, we analyse data from two visible light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) setups across two separate in vivo experiments on rat retinas. Predictions made by DSL are highly adaptive to experimental variabilities as well as the depth-dependent backscattering spectra. Two neural-network-based models are tested and compared with the traditional least-squares fitting (LSF) method. The DSL-predicted sO2 shows significantly lower mean-square errors than those of the LSF. For the first time, we have demonstrated en face maps of retinal oximetry along with a pixel-wise confidence assessment. Our DSL overcomes several limitations of traditional approaches and provides a more flexible, robust, and reliable deep learning approach for in vivo non-invasive label-free optical oximetry.

Quantification of total haemoglobin concentrations in human whole blood by spectroscopic visible-light optical coherence tomography

The non-invasive quantification of total haemoglobin concentrations [tHb] is highly desired for the assessment of haematologic disorders in vulnerable patient groups, but invasive blood sampling is still the gold standard in current clinical practice. This work demonstrates the potential of visible-light spectroscopic optical coherence tomography (sOCT) for quantifying the [tHb] in human whole blood. To accurately quantify the [tHb] from the substantial optical attenuation by blood in the visible wavelength range, we used a combination of zero-delay acquisition and focus tracking that ensures optimal system sensitivity at any depth inside the sample. Subsequently, we developed an analysis model to adequately correct for the high scattering contribution by red blood cells to the sOCT signal. We validate our method and compare it to conventional sOCT (without focus tracking and zero-delay acquisition) through ex-vivo measurements on flowing human whole blood, with [tHb] values in the clinical range of 7-23 g/dL. For our method with optimized sensitivity, the measured and expected values correlate well (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.89, p < 0.01), with a precision of 3.8 g/dL. This is a considerable improvement compared to conventional sOCT (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.59, p = 0.16; precision of 9.1 g/dL).

Quantitative quality-control metrics for in vivo oximetry in small vessels by visible light optical coherence tomography angiography

Biological functions rely on local microvasculature to deliver oxygen and nutrients and carry away metabolic waste. Alterations to local oxygenation levels are manifested in diseases including cancer, diabetes mellitus, etc. The ability to quantify oxygen saturation (sO2) within microvasculature in vivo to assess local tissue oxygenation and metabolic function is highly sought after. Visible light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) angiography has shown promise in reaching this goal. However, achieving reliable measurements in small vessels can be challenging due to the reduced contrast and requires data averaging to improve the spectral data quality. Therefore, a method for quality-control of the vis-OCT data from small vessels becomes essential to reject unreliable readings. In this work, we present a quantitative metrics to evaluate the spectral data for a reliable measurement of sO2, including angiography signal to noise ratio (SNR), spectral anomaly detection and discard, and theory-experiment correlation analysis. The thresholds for each quantity can be flexibly adjusted according to different applications and system performance. We used these metrics to measure sO2 of C57BL/6J mouse lower extremity microvasculature and validated it by introducing hyperoxia for expected sO2 changes. After validation, we applied this protocol on C57BL/6J mouse ear microvasculature to conduct in vivo small blood vessel OCT oximetry. This work seeks to standardize the data processing method for in vivo oximetry in small vessels by vis-OCT.

Supercontinuum source-based multi-contrast optical coherence tomography for rat retina imaging

This study proposed an ultrahigh-resolution multi-contrast optical coherence tomography system integrated with fundus photography for in vivo retinal imaging of rodents. A supercontinuum light source was used in the system, providing an axial resolution of less than 3 µm within 1.8 mm (in the tissue). Three types of tissue contrast based on backscattered intensity, phase retardation, and microvasculature at a capillary level can be simultaneously obtained using the proposed system. Pigmented Long-Evans, non-pigmented (albino) Sprague Dawley, and Royal College of Surgeons rats were imaged and compared. In vivo imaging results were validated with histology.

Measurement of flow-mediated dilation of mouse femoral artery in vivo by optical coherence tomography

Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) is used for assessment of vascular endothelial function in humans as a predictor of cardiovascular events. It has been challenging to carry it on preclinical murine models due to the diminutive size of the femoral artery. Here, we present a new approach to accurately measure the blood velocity and femoral artery diameters of mice by acquiring Doppler optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography continuously within 1 single experimental scanning protocol. Using the 3-dimensional imaging and new velocity algorithm, the measurement precision of diameter, blood flow, velocity and wall shear stress are improved to 0.91%, 11.0%, 10.7% and 14.0%, respectively. FMD of healthy mouse femoral artery measured by this method was 11.96% ± 0.98%, which was blunted to 5.69% ± 0.4% by intravenous administration of endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NG -Nitroarginine methyl ester), in agreement with that reported in the literature.

In vivo blind-deconvolution photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy with total variation regularization

Photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy (PAOM) is capable of noninvasively imaging anatomic and functional information of the retina in living rodents. However, the strong ocular aberration in rodent eyes and limited ultrasonic detection sensitivity affect PAOM's spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in in vivo eyes. In this work, we report a computational approach to combine blind deconvolution (BD) algorithm with a regularizing constraint based on total variation (BDTV) for PAOM imaging restoration. We tested the algorithm in retinal and choroidal microvascular images in albino rat eyes. The algorithm improved PAOM's lateral resolution by around 2-fold. Moreover, it enabled the improvement in imaging SNR for both major vessels and capillaries, and realized the well-preserved blood vessels' edges simultaneously, which surpasses conventional Richardson-Lucy BD algorithm. The reported results indicate that the BDTV algorithm potentially facilitate PAOM in extracting retinal pathophysiological information by enhancing in vivo imaging quality without physically modifying PAOM's optical configuration.

Assessment of pathological features in Alzheimer's disease brain tissue with a large field-of-view visible-light optical coherence microscope

We implemented a wide field-of-view visible-light optical coherence microscope (OCM) for investigating ex-vivo brain tissue of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and of a mouse model of AD. A submicrometer axial resolution in tissue was achieved using a broad visible light spectrum. The use of various objective lenses enabled reaching micrometer transversal resolution and the acquisition of images of microscopic brain features, such as cell structures, vessels, and white matter tracts. Amyloid-beta plaques in the range of 10 to 70    μ m were visualized. Large field-of-view images of young and old mouse brain sections were imaged using an automated x - y - z stage. The plaque load was characterized, revealing an age-related increase. Human brain tissue affected by cerebral amyloid angiopathy was investigated and hyperscattering structures resembling amyloid beta accumulations in the vessel walls were identified. All results were in good agreement with histology. A comparison of plaque features in both human and mouse brain tissue was performed, revealing an increase in plaque load and a decrease in reflectivity for mouse as compared with human brain tissue. Based on the promising outcome of our experiments, visible light OCM might be a powerful tool for investigating microscopic features in ex-vivo brain tissue.

In vivo broadband visible light optical coherence tomography probe enables inverse spectroscopic analysis

We report the design and characterization of a 6 mm outer diameter pull-back circumferential scanning visible optical coherence tomography probe. The probe's large visible bandwidth (500-695 nm) allowed for inverse spectroscopic analysis and an axial resolution of ∼1.1  μm in tissue. We verify spectral imaging capabilities by measuring microsphere backscattering spectra and demonstrate in vivo spatial nanoscale characterization of tissue.

Single capillary oximetry and tissue ultrastructural sensing by dual-band dual-scan inverse spectroscopic optical coherence tomography

Measuring capillary oxygenation and the surrounding ultrastructure can allow one to monitor a microvascular niche and better understand crucial biological mechanisms. However, capillary oximetry and pericapillary ultrastructure are challenging to measure in vivo. Here we demonstrate a novel optical imaging system, dual-band dual-scan inverse spectroscopic optical coherence tomography (D2-ISOCT), that, for the first time, can simultaneously obtain the following metrics in vivo using endogenous contrast: (1) capillary-level oxygen saturation and arteriolar-level blood flow rates, oxygen delivery rates, and oxygen metabolic rates; (2) spatial characteristics of tissue structures at length scales down to 30 nm; and (3) morphological images up to 2 mm in depth. To illustrate the capabilities of D2-ISOCT, we monitored alterations to capillaries and the surrounding pericapillary tissue (tissue between the capillaries) in the healing response of a mouse ear wound model. The obtained microvascular and ultrastructural metrics corroborated well with each other, showing the promise of D2-ISOCT for becoming a powerful new non-invasive imaging tool.

Volumetric fluorescence retinal imaging in vivo over a 30-degree field of view by oblique scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (oSLO)

While fluorescent contrast is widely used in ophthalmology, three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence retinal imaging over a large field of view (FOV) has been challenging. In this paper, we describe a novel oblique scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (oSLO) technique that provides 3D volumetric fluorescence retinal imaging with only one raster scan. The technique utilizes scanned oblique illumination and angled detection to obtain fluorescent cross-sectional images, analogous to optical coherence tomography (OCT) line scans (or B-scans). By breaking the coaxial optical alignment used in conventional retinal imaging modalities, depth resolution is drastically improved. To demonstrate the capability of oSLO, we have performed in vivo volumetric fluorescein angiography (FA) of the rat retina with ~25μm depth resolution and over a 30° FOV. Using depth segmentation, oSLO can obtain high contrast images of the microvasculature down to single capillaries in 3D. The multi-modal nature of oSLO also allows for seamless combination with simultaneous OCT angiography.

Visible-light optical coherence tomography: a review

Visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) is an emerging imaging modality, providing new capabilities in both anatomical and functional imaging of biological tissue. It relies on visible light illumination, whereas most commercial and investigational OCTs use near-infrared light. As a result, vis-OCT requires different considerations in engineering design and implementation but brings unique potential benefits to both fundamental research and clinical care of several diseases. Here, we intend to provide a summary of the development of vis-OCT and its demonstrated applications. We also provide perspectives on future technology improvement and applications.

Angiographic and structural imaging using high axial resolution fiber-based visible-light OCT

Optical coherence tomography using visible-light sources can increase the axial resolution without the need for broader spectral bandwidth. Here, a high-resolution, fiber-based, visible-light optical coherence tomography system is built and used to image normal retina in rats and blood vessels in chicken embryo. In the rat retina, accurate segmentation of retinal layer boundaries and quantification of layer thicknesses are accomplished. Furthermore, three distinct capillary plexuses in the retina and the choriocapillaris are identified and the characteristic pattern of the nerve fiber layer thickness in rats is revealed. In the chicken embryo model, the microvascular network and a venous bifurcation are examined and the ability to identify and segment large vessel walls is demonstrated.

OCT angiography and visible-light OCT in diabetic retinopathy

In recent years, advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT) techniques have increased our understanding of diabetic retinopathy, an important microvascular complication of diabetes. OCT angiography is a non-invasive method that visualizes the retinal vasculature by detecting motion contrast from flowing blood. Visible-light OCT shows promise as a novel technique for quantifying retinal hypoxia by measuring the retinal oxygen delivery and metabolic rates. In this article, we discuss recent insights provided by these techniques into the vascular pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy. The next milestones for these modalities are large multicenter studies to establish consensus on the most reliable and consistent outcome parameters to study diabetic retinopathy.

Spectroscopic imaging with spectral domain visible light optical coherence microscopy in Alzheimer's disease brain samples

A visible light spectral domain optical coherence microscopy system was developed. A high axial resolution of 0.88 μm in tissue was achieved using a broad visible light spectrum (425 - 685 nm). Healthy human brain tissue was imaged to quantify the difference between white (WM) and grey matter (GM) in intensity and attenuation. The high axial resolution enables the investigation of amyloid-beta plaques of various sizes in human brain tissue and animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). By performing a spectroscopic analysis of the OCM data, differences in the characteristics for WM, GM, and neuritic amyloid-beta plaques were found. To gain additional contrast, Congo red stained AD brain tissue was investigated. A first effort was made to investigate optically cleared mouse brain tissue to increase the penetration depth and visualize hyperscattering structures in deeper cortical regions.

Can OCT Angiography Be Made a Quantitative Blood Measurement Tool?

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) refers to a powerful class of OCT scanning protocols and algorithms that selectively enhance the imaging of blood vessel lumens, based mainly on the motion and scattering of red blood cells (RBCs). Though OCTA is widely used in clinical and basic science applications for visualization of perfused blood vessels, OCTA is still primarily a qualitative tool. However, more quantitative hemodynamic information would better delineate disease mechanisms, and potentially improve the sensitivity for detecting early stages of disease. Here, we take a broader view of OCTA in the context of microvascular hemodynamics and light scattering. Paying particular attention to the unique challenges presented by capillaries versus larger supplying and draining vessels, we critically assess opportunities and challenges in making OCTA a quantitative tool.

Foxc1 and Foxc2 in the Neural Crest Are Required for Ocular Anterior Segment Development

Purpose

The large Forkhead (Fox) transcription factor family has essential roles in development, and mutations cause a wide range of ocular and nonocular disease. One member, Foxc2 is expressed in neural crest (NC)-derived periocular mesenchymal cells of the developing murine eye; however, its precise role in the development, establishment, and maintenance of the ocular surface has yet to be investigated.

Methods

To specifically delete Foxc2 from NC-derived cells, conditional knockout mice for Foxc2 (NC-Foxc2^−/−) were generated by crossing Foxc2^F mice with Wnt1-Cre mice. Similarly, we also generated compound NC-specific mutations of Foxc2 and a closely related gene, Foxc1 (NC-Foxc1^−/−;NC-Foxc2^−/−) in mice.

Results

Neural crest-Foxc2^−/− mice show abnormal thickness in the peripheral-to-central corneal stroma and limbus and displaced pupils with irregular iris. The neural crest-specific mutation in Foxc2 also leads to ectopic neovascularization in the cornea, as well as impaired ocular epithelial cell identity and corneal conjunctivalization. Compound, NC-specific Foxc1; Foxc2 homozygous mutant mice have more severe defects in structures of the ocular surface, such as the cornea and eyelids, accompanied by significant declines in the expression of another key developmental factor, Pitx2, and its downstream effector Dkk2, which antagonizes canonical Wnt signaling.

Conclusions

The neural crest-Foxc2 mutation is associated with corneal conjunctivalization, ectopic corneal neovascularization, and disrupted ocular epithelial cell identity. Furthermore, Foxc2 and Foxc1 cooperatively function in NC-derived mesenchymal cells to ensure proper morphogenesis of the ocular surface via the regulation of Wnt signaling. Together, Foxc2 is required in the NC lineage for mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in corneal and ocular surface development.

Visible-Light Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography for Monitoring Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice

Purpose

This study sought to determine the earliest time-point at which evidence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) could be detected with visible-light optical coherence tomography angiography (vis-OCTA) in a mouse model of laser-induced CNV.

Methods

Visible light-OCTA was used to study laser-induced CNV at different time-points after laser injury to monitor CNV development and measure CNV lesion size. Measurements obtained from vis-OCTA angiograms were compared with histopathologic measurements from isolectin-stained choroidal flatmounts.

Results

Choroidal neovascularization area measurements between the vis-OCTA system and isolectin-stained choroidal flatmounts were significantly different in area for days 2 to 4 postlaser injury, and were not significantly different in area for days 5, 7, and 14. Choroidal neovascularization area measurements taken from the stained flatmounts were larger than their vis-OCTA counterparts for all time-points. Both modalities showed a similar trend of CNV size increasing from the day of laser injury until a peak of day 7 postlaser injury and subsequently decreasing by day 14.

Conclusions

The earliest vis-OCTA can detect the presence of aberrant vessels in a mouse laser-induced CNV model is 5 days after laser injury. Visible light-OCTA was able to visualize the maximum of the CNV network 7 days postlaser injury, in accordance with choroidal flatmount immunostaining. Visible light-OCTA is a reliable tool in both detecting the presence of CNV development, as well as accurately determining the size of the lesion in a mouse laser-induced CNV model.

Monitoring Acute Stroke in Mouse Model Using Laser Speckle Imaging-Guided Visible-Light Optical Coherence Tomography

OBJECTIVE

Monitoring hemodynamic and vascular changes in the acute stages of mouse stroke models is invaluable in studying ischemic stroke pathophysiology. However, there lacks a tool to simultaneously and dynamically investigate these changes.

METHODS

We integrated laser speckle imaging (LSI) and visible-light optical coherence tomography (Vis-OCT) to reveal dynamic vascular responses in acute stages in the distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) model in rodents. LSI provides full-field, real-time imaging to guide Vis-OCT imaging and monitor the dynamic cerebral blood flow (CBF). Vis-OCT offers depth-resolved angiography and oxygen saturation (sO2) measurements.

RESULTS

Our results showed detailed CBF and vasculature changes before, during, and after dMCAO. After dMCAO, we observed insignificant sO2 variation in arteries and arterioles and location-dependent sO2 drop in veins and venules. We observed that higher branch-order veins had larger drops in sO2 at the reperfusion stage after dMCAO.

CONCLUSION

This work suggests that integrated LSI and Vis-OCT is a promising tool for investigating ischemic stroke in mouse models.

SIGNIFICANCE

For the first time, LSI and Vis-OCT are integrated to investigate ischemic strokes in rodent models.

Theoretical model for optical oximetry at the capillary level: exploring hemoglobin oxygen saturation through backscattering of single red blood cells

Oxygen saturation ( sO 2 ) of red blood cells (RBCs) in capillaries can indirectly assess local tissue oxygenation and metabolic function. For example, the altered retinal oxygenation in diabetic retinopathy and local hypoxia during tumor development in cancer are reflected by abnormal sO 2 of local capillary networks. However, it is far from clear whether accurate label-free optical oximetry (i.e., measuring hemoglobin sO 2 ) is feasible from dispersed RBCs at the single capillary level. The sO 2 -dependent hemoglobin absorption contrast present in optical scattering signal is complicated by geometry-dependent scattering from RBCs. We present a numerical study of backscattering spectra from single RBCs based on the first-order Born approximation, considering practical factors: RBC orientations, size variation, and deformations. We show that the oscillatory spectral behavior of RBC geometries is smoothed by variations in cell size and orientation, resulting in clear sO 2 -dependent spectral contrast. In addition, this spectral contrast persists with different mean cellular hemoglobin content and different deformations of RBCs. This study shows for the first time the feasibility of, and provides a theoretical model for, label-free optical oximetry at the single capillary level using backscattering-based imaging modalities, challenging the popular view that such measurements are impossible at the single capillary level.

Functional and oxygen-metabolic photoacoustic microscopy of the awake mouse brain

A long-standing challenge in optical neuroimaging has been the assessment of hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism in the awake rodent brain at the microscopic level. Here, we report first-of-a-kind head-restrained photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), which enables simultaneous imaging of the cerebrovascular anatomy, total concentration and oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, and blood flow in awake mice. Combining these hemodynamic measurements allows us to derive two key metabolic parameters-oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO₂). This enabling technology offers the first opportunity to comprehensively and quantitatively characterize the hemodynamic and oxygen-metabolic responses of the mouse brain to isoflurane, a general anesthetic widely used in preclinical research and clinical practice. Side-by-side comparison of the awake and anesthetized brains reveals that isoflurane induces diameter-dependent arterial dilation, elevated blood flow, and reduced OEF in a dose-dependent manner. As a result of the combined effects, CMRO₂ is significantly reduced in the anesthetized brain under both normoxia and hypoxia, which suggests a mechanism for anesthetic neuroprotection. The head-restrained functional and metabolic PAM opens a new avenue for basic and translational research on neurovascular coupling without the strong influence of anesthesia and on the neuroprotective effects of various interventions, including but not limited to volatile anesthetics, against cerebral hypoxia and ischemia.

A Cooperative Copper Metal-Organic Framework-Hydrogel System Improves Wound Healing in Diabetes

Chronic non-healing wounds remain a major clinical challenge that would benefit from the development of advanced, regenerative dressings that promote wound closure within a clinically relevant time frame. The use of copper ions has shown promise in wound healing applications possibly by promoting angiogenesis. However, reported treatments that use copper ions require multiple applications of copper salts or oxides to the wound bed, exposing the patient to potentially toxic levels of copper ions and resulting in variable outcomes. Herein we set out to assess whether copper metal organic framework nanoparticles (HKUST-1 NPs) embedded within an antioxidant thermoresponsive citrate-based hydrogel would decrease copper ion toxicity and accelerate wound healing in diabetic mice. HKUST-1 and poly-(polyethyleneglycol citrate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) (PPCN) were synthesized and characterized. HKUST-1 NP stability in a protein solution with and without embedding them in PPCN hydrogel was determined. Copper ion release, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and in vitro migration processes were measured. Wound closure rates and wound blood perfusion were assessed in vivo using the splinted excisional dermal wound diabetic mouse model. HKUST-1 NP disintegrated in protein solution while HKUST-1 NPs embedded in PPCN (H-HKUST-1) were protected from degradation and copper ions were slowly released. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis due to copper ion release were significantly reduced while dermal cell migration in vitro and wound closure rates in vivo were significantly enhanced. In vivo, H-HKUST-1 induced angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization during wound healing in diabetic mice. These results suggest that a cooperatively stabilized, copper ion-releasing H-HKUST-1 hydrogel is a promising innovative dressing for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Sustained release of stromal cell derived factor-1 from an antioxidant thermoresponsive hydrogel enhances dermal wound healing in diabetes

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a severe complication of diabetes mellitus. Altered cell migration due to microcirculatory deficiencies as well as excessive and prolonged reactive oxygen species production are implicated in the delayed healing of DFUs. The goal of this research was to assess whether sustained release of SDF-1, a chemokine that promotes endothelial progenitor cell homing and angiogenesis, from a citrate-based antioxidant thermoresponsive polymer would significantly improve impaired dermal wound healing in diabetes. Poly (polyethylene glycol citrate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) (PPCN) was synthesized via sequential polycondensation and free radical polymerization reactions. SDF-1 was entrapped via gelation of the PPCN+SDF-1 solution above its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and its release and bioactivity was measured. The effect of sustained release of SDF-1 from PPCN (PPCN+SDF-1) versus a bolus application of SDF-1 in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) on wound healing was evaluated in a diabetic murine splinted excisional dermal wound model using gross observation, histology, immunohistochemistry, and optical coherence tomography microangiography. Increasing PPCN concentration decreased SDF-1 release rate. The time to 50% wound closure was 11days, 16days, 14days, and 17days for wounds treated with PPCN+SDF-1, SDF-1 only, PPCN only, and PBS, respectively. Wounds treated with PPCN+SDF-1 had the shortest time for complete healing (24days) and exhibited accelerated granulation tissue production, epithelial maturation, and the highest density of perfused blood vessels. In conclusion, sustained release of SDF-1 from PPCN is a promising and easy to use therapeutic strategy to improve the treatment of chronic non-healing DFUs.

Imaging hemodynamic response after ischemic stroke in mouse cortex using visible-light optical coherence tomography

Visible-light optical coherence tomography (Vis-OCT) is an emerging technology that can image hemodynamic response in microvasculature. Vis-OCT can retrieve blood oxygen saturation (sO₂) mapping using intrinsic optical absorption contrast while providing high-resolution anatomical vascular structures at the same time. To improve the accuracy of Vis-OCT oximetry on vessels embedded in highly scattering medium, i.e., brain cortex, we developed and formulated a novel dual-depth sampling and normalization strategy that allowed us to minimize the detrimental effect of ubiquitous tissue scattering. We applied our newly developed approach to monitor the hemodynamic response in mouse cortex after focal photothrombosis. We observed vessel dilatation, which was negatively correlated with the original vessel diameter, in the penumbra region. The sO₂ of vessels in the penumbra region also dropped below normal range after focal ischemia.

Simultaneous optical coherence tomography angiography and fluorescein angiography in rodents with normal retina and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization

Fluorescein angiography (FA) is the current clinical imaging standard for vascular related retinal diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. However, FA is considered invasive and can provide only two-dimensional imaging. In comparison, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is noninvasive and can generate three-dimensional imaging; investigations of OCTA already demonstrated great promise in retinal vascular imaging. Yet, to further develop and apply OCTA, strengths and weaknesses between OCTA and FA need to be thoroughly compared. To avoid complications in image registration, an ideal comparison requires co-registered and simultaneous imaging by both FA and OCTA. In this Letter, we developed a system with integrated laser-scanning ophthalmoscope FA (SLO-FA) and OCTA, and conducted simultaneous dual-modality retinal vascular imaging in rodents. In imaging healthy rodent eyes, OCTA can resolve retinal capillaries better than SLO-FA does, particularly deep capillaries. In imaging rodent eyes with laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV), OCTA can identify CNV that eludes SLO-FA detection.

Inner retinal oxygen metabolism in the 50/10 oxygen-induced retinopathy model

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) represents a major cause of childhood vision loss worldwide. The 50/10 oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model mimics the findings of ROP, including peripheral vascular attenuation and neovascularization. The oxygen metabolism of the inner retina has not been previously explored in this model. Using visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT), we measured the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin and blood flow within inner retinal vessels, enabling us to compute the inner retinal oxygen delivery (irDO₂) and metabolic rate of oxygen (irMRO₂). We compared these measurements between age-matched room-air controls and rats with 50/10 OIR on postnatal day 18. To account for a 61% decrease in the irDO₂ in the OIR group, we found an overall statistically significant decrease in retinal vascular density affecting the superficial and deep retinal vascular capillary networks in rats with OIR compared to controls. Furthermore, matching the reduced irDO₂, we found a 59% decrease in irMRO₂, which we correlated with a statistically significant reduction in retinal thickness in the OIR group, suggesting that the decreased irMRO₂ was due to decreased neuronal oxygen utilization. By exploring these biological and metabolic changes in great detail, our study provides an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of OIR model.

Investigating the choriocapillaris and choroidal vasculature with new optical coherence tomography technologies

The body of knowledge of in vivo investigation of the choroid has been markedly enhanced by recent technological advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT). New insights elucidating the morphological features of the choriocapillaris and choroidal vasculature, in both physiological and pathological conditions, indicate that the choroid plays a pivotal role in many posterior segment diseases. In this article, a review of the histological characteristics of the choroid, which must be considered for the proper interpretation of in vivo imaging, is followed by a comprehensive discussion of fundamental principles of the current state-of-the-art in OCT, including cross-sectional OCT, en face OCT, and OCT angiography using both spectral domain OCT and swept source OCT technologies. A detailed review of the tomographic features of the choroid in the normal eye is followed by relevant findings in prevalent chorioretinal diseases, focusing on major causes of vision loss such as typical early and advanced age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, pachychoroid spectrum disorders, diabetic choroidopathy, and myopia.

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

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.

Monitoring photodynamic therapy with photoacoustic microscopy

Abstract. We present our work on examining the feasibility of monitoring photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced vasculature change with acoustic-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (PAM). Verteporfin, an FDA-approved photosensitizer for clinical PDT, was utilized. With a 60-μm-resolution PAM system, we demonstrated the capability of PAM to monitor PDT-induced vasculature variations in a chick chorioallantoic membrane model with topical application and in a rat ear with intravenous injection of the photosensitizer. We also showed oxygen saturation change in target blood vessels due to PDT. Success of the present approach may potentially lead to the application of PAM imaging in evaluating PDT efficacy, guiding treatment, and predicting responders from nonresponders.

Measuring oxygen saturation in retinal and choroidal circulations in rats using visible light optical coherence tomography angiography

Visible light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) has demonstrated its capability of measuring vascular oxygen saturation (sO2) in vivo. Enhanced by OCT angiography, the signal from microvasculature can be further isolated and directly used for sO2 extraction. In this work, we extended the theoretical formulation for OCT angiography-based oximetry by incorporating the contribution from motion contrast enhancement. We presented a new method to eliminate the associated confounding variables due to blood flow. First, we performed in vitro experiments to verify our theory, showing a stable spectral derivative within the selected wavelength bands for sO2 extraction. Then, we tested our method in vivo to measure retinal sO2 in rats inhaling different gas mixtures: normal air, 5% CO2, pure O2, and 10% O2. Absolute sO2 values in major arterioles and venules in the retinal circulation can be accurately measured. In addition, we demonstrated the relative changes of sO2 can be measured non-invasively from choriocapillaris immediately underneath the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) in rodents.

Snap-shot multispectral imaging of vascular dynamics in a mouse window-chamber model

Understanding tumor vascular dynamics through parameters such as blood flow and oxygenation can yield insight into tumor biology and therapeutic response. Hyperspectral microscopy enables optical detection of hemoglobin saturation or blood velocity by either acquiring multiple images that are spectrally distinct or by rapid acquisition at a single wavelength over time. However, the serial acquisition of spectral images over time prevents the ability to monitor rapid changes in vascular dynamics and cannot monitor concurrent changes in oxygenation and flow rate. Here, we introduce snap shot-multispectral imaging (SS-MSI) for use in imaging the microvasculature in mouse dorsal-window chambers. By spatially multiplexing spectral information into a single-image capture, simultaneous acquisition of dynamic hemoglobin saturation and blood flow over time is achieved down to the capillary level and provides an improved optical tool for monitoring rapid in vivo vascular dynamics.

Quantitative microvascular hemoglobin mapping using visible light spectroscopic Optical Coherence Tomography

Quantification of chromophore concentrations in reflectance mode remains a major challenge for biomedical optics. Spectroscopic Optical Coherence Tomography (SOCT) provides depth-resolved spectroscopic information necessary for quantitative analysis of chromophores, like hemoglobin, but conventional SOCT analysis methods are applicable only to well-defined specular reflections, which may be absent in highly scattering biological tissue. Here, by fitting of the dynamic scattering signal spectrum in the OCT angiogram using a forward model of light propagation, we quantitatively determine hemoglobin concentrations directly. Importantly, this methodology enables mapping of both oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin concentration, or alternatively, oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentration, simultaneously. Quantification was verified by ex vivo blood measurements at various pO2 and hematocrit levels. Imaging results from the rodent brain and retina are presented. Confounds including noise and scattering, as well as potential clinical applications, are discussed.

Imaging endocervical mucus anatomy and dynamics in macaque female reproductive track using optical coherence tomography

BACKGROUND

Endocervical mucus acts as an important barrier to block human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Disruption of the mucus layer increases the risk of infection for females. An effective method to image the mucus properties can serve as a pre-screening step to risk-stratify the susceptible population.

METHODS

We proposed to use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to quantitatively measure the thickness of endocervical mucus. We used a home-built bench-top OCT system to monitor the dynamic change in mucus thickness of a cultivated sample. We also fabricated a prototype endoscopic OCT probe to demonstrate potential in situ applications.

RESULTS

We observed a 200% increase in the endocervical mucus thickness after cultivating in 37 °C phosphate buffered saline solution for 30 minutes. During mucus hydrolysis, we found that mucus layer thickness decreased to about 60% of its original value after applying neuraminidase. Three dimensional volumetric image of intact macaque inner vaginal wall was also acquired.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that OCT can quantitatively measure the endocervical mucus thickness and its dynamics in ex vivo experiments. Endoscopic OCT has the potential to resolve fine structures inside macaque female reproductive track (FRT) for in vivo applications.