In vivo quantitative photoacoustic monitoring of corticosteroid-induced vasoconstriction

Abstract

Significance: Corticosteroids-commonly prescribed medications for skin diseases-inhibit the secretion of vasodilators, such as prostaglandin, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory action by constricting capillaries in the dermis. The effectiveness of corticosteroids is determined by the degree of vasoconstriction followed by skin whitening, namely, the blanching effect. However, the current method of observing the blanching effect indirectly evaluates the effects of corticosteroids.

Aim: In this study, we employed optical-resolution photoacoustic (PA) microscopy (OR-PAM) to directly visualize the blood vessels and quantitatively evaluate vasoconstriction.

Approach: Using OR-PAM, the vascular density in mice skin was monitored for 60 min after performing each experimental procedure for four groups, and the vasoconstriction was quantified. Volumetric PA data were segmented into the papillary dermis, reticular dermis, and hypodermis based on the vascular characteristics obtained through OR-PAM. The vasoconstrictive effect of each skin layer was quantified according to the dermatological treatment method.

Results: In the case of corticosteroid topical application, vasoconstriction was observed in the papillary ( $56.4\pm 10.9\%$ ) and reticular ( $45.1\pm 4.71\%$ ) dermis. For corticosteroid subcutaneous injection, constriction was observed solely in the reticular ( $49.5\pm 9.35\%$ ) dermis. In contrast, no vasoconstrictions were observed with nonsteroidal topical application.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that OR-PAM can quantitatively monitor the vasoconstriction induced by corticosteroids, thereby validating OR-PAMs potential as a practical evaluation tool for predicting the effectiveness of corticosteroids in dermatology.

Keywords: corticosteroid; optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy; photoacoustic imaging; skin anatomy; vasoconstriction.