Live imaging of corneal lymphatic vessels

Tech ID: 21887 / UC Case 2012-012-0

Brief Description

Lymphatic dysfunction has been found in many disorders from transplant rejection to cancer metastasis, but there is little effective treatment for lymphatic diseases. The cornea is an ideal site for lymphatic research due to its accessible location, transparent nature, and lymphatic-free but –inducible features. Because there are no pre-existing vessels to consider at this site, it is exceptionally straightforward and accurate to evaluate new lymphatic events in the cornea. Since lymphatic vessels are not easily visible, previous studies using the cornea have relied on traditional immunohistochemistry assays with dead tissues. Currently, there is no means of direct and harmless visualization of lymphatic vessels within live cornea.

Investigators at University of California at Berkeley have addressed this challenge by developing the first live imaging of corneal lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic specific dye is injected into the subconjunctival space to visualize lymphatic vessels at various stages in the cornea under a fluorescence stereo-, confocal, or two-photon microscope. Lymphatic vessels can be labeled in different colors to produce two-, three-, and four-dimensional images or live videos at a molecular level. The investigators have demonstrated a proof of principle in live mouse cornea. The technique allows time course tracking of dynamic lymphatic processes within the same

tissue or subject over a short or long period of time. Live imaging of corneal lymphatic vessels allows visualization of lymphatic vessels in their natural morphology, state, and interactions with the local environment. Live imaging of corneal lymphatic vessels is readily applicable to patient examination as the lymphatic dye of dextran is bio-degradable and harmless to human health.

Advantages

identifies lymphatic vessels in live and intact corneas, which can be induced by a variety of pathological stimulations, such as inflammation, tumors, infection, trauma, transplantation, or chemical burn
provides live molecular level videos and detailed 2-4 dimensional lymphatic vessels pictures
over-the-course observation of lymphatic changes in the same tissue or subject
detects lymphatic interaction with other components in the local environments, such as cells, blood vessels, and nerves
dye is bio-degradable and harmless to human health

Applications

study processes and mechanisms of lymphatic formation, maturation and regression
diagnose lymphatic status and provide therapeutic indication or guideline for various
diseases and conditions, such as transplant rejection and cancer metastasis
provides lymphatic specific drug delivery tool