In vivo nonlinear imaging of corneal structures with special focus on BALB/c and streptozotocin-diabetic Thy1-YFP mice

authored by: Tobias Ehmke, Janine Leckelt, Maria Reichard, Heike Weiss, Marina Hovakimyan, Alexander Heisterkamp, Oliver Stachs, Simone Baltrusch
Abstract: Two-photon microscopy (TPM) allows high contrast imaging at a subcellular resolution scale. In this work, the microscopy technique was applied to visualize corneal structures in two mouse models (BALB/c and B6.Cg-Tg(Thy1-YFP)16Jrs/J) in vivo. In particular, the transgenic Thy1-YFP mice expressing the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in all motor and sensory neurons had been used for investigating the nerve fiber density in healthy and streptozotocin-diabetic mice. This model is clinically relevant since patients suffering from diabetes mellitus have a high risk to develop small fiber neuropathy. Nonlinear laser scanning microscopy displayed a reduction of nerve fiber density in streptozotocin-diabetic versus healthy mice and confirmed data obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In recent years, corneal CLSM was proved to be an appropriate non-invasive tool for an early diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy. Nevertheless, validation of the CLSM method for the clinical routine is currently a matter of investigation and requires confirmation by further studies and complementary techniques. Thus, the present study provides further evidence of corneal confocal microscopy as a promising technique for non-invasive detection of diabetic neuropathy. Information derived from these experiments may become clinically relevant and help to develop new drugs for treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Organisation(s): Institute of Quantum Optics
External Organisation(s): Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH)
University of Rostock
Type: Article
Journal: Experimental Eye Research
Volume: 146
Pages: 137-144
No. of pages: 8
ISSN: 0014-4835
Publication date: 08.12.2015
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Ophthalmology, Sensory Systems, Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2015.11.024 (Access: Closed)