Bone imaging using multiphoton microscopy enables dynamic observation of platelet formation in living animals. Two-photon excitation microscopy is superior to confocal microscopy as it enables deeper tissue penetration, efficient light detection, and reduced phototoxicity. Using this microscopy approach, thrombopoiesis by megakaryocytes is clearly visualized in the skull at significant depth from the surface. Here we describe our microscopy setup and dye recipe for visualization of bone marrow in the mouse skull.
Keywords: Bone marrow imaging; In vivo imaging; Multiphoton microscope; Platelet production.