Identification and characterization of different tissues in blood vessel by multiplexed fluorescence lifetimes

Analyst. 2018 May 15;143(10):2243-2248. doi: 10.1039/c8an00392k.

Abstract

Herein, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) was used to directly measure eosin fluorescence lifetimes from H&E-stained umbilical artery, and a further utilization of eosin for high-content and multi-target analysis was proposed for the first time. Smooth muscles, collagens, and elastic fibers can be distinguished by eosin fluorescence lifetimes (P < 0.001). Erythrocytes, smooth muscles, elastic fibers, and type I and III collagen from the H&E-stained umbilical artery can be simultaneously identified by multiplexed fluorescence lifetimes of eosin. Use of eosin and lifetime-based separation is a potential method to simplify the special staining for clinicopathologic examination. Multiplexed eosin fluorescence lifetimes may be a newly developed method that can directly determine the relative content of elastic fiber and collagens from the H&E-stained sections. FLIM may have potential applications as an assisted tool in the assessment of the severity and complexity of cardiovascular diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Vessels / diagnostic imaging*
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence*
  • Staining and Labeling*

Substances

  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)