Since the Optiscan miniature confocal microscope probe obtains real time images of living tissue, it can be used to observe dynamic processes such as blood flow. At the microscopic level, this is observed as individual blood cells flow through tiny capillaries which are just a single cell wide.
In this example, imaging was performed after administering a fluorescent agent into the circulation of a rat (FITC-dextran; 10 mg/ml; average molecular weight dextran = 260 kDa).
The images show the liver microvasculature (known as hepatic sinusoids). Hepatic sinusoids are larger and more irregular in shape than ordinary capillaries. The black dots in the lumen of the vessels are the individual red blood cells (RBCs), which can be seen moving through the vessels as the blood flows.
Images and protocol courtesy of Dr Liem Vo, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
