Dynamic photoacoustic imaging of neurovascular coupling in salivary glands

J Oral Biosci. 2019 Dec;61(4):236-241. doi: 10.1016/j.job.2019.08.002. Epub 2019 Sep 3.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to apply photoacoustic imaging (PAI), a relatively new imaging method, to non-invasively map neurovascular dynamics in salivary glands. Dynamic PAI with co-registered ultrasound (US) was performed in mice to monitor salivary gland hemodynamics in response to exogenous muscarinic receptor stimulation (pilocarpine) and blockade (atropine). Pilocarpine increased salivary gland oxygen saturation (%sO2) within minutes after administration, which was abrogated by atropine. A significant correlation was observed between change in %sO2 measured by PAI and saliva secretion. PAI is a novel imaging method that can be used for functional assessment of neurovascular dynamics in salivary glands.

Keywords: Atropine; Pilocarpine; Salivary glands; Ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Mice
  • Neurovascular Coupling*
  • Photoacoustic Techniques*
  • Pilocarpine
  • Saliva
  • Salivary Glands

Substances

  • Pilocarpine