We visualized platelet aggregations on intact endothelium using in vivo imaging. (Blood 2011)

 MOV files can be downloaded! (size:2MB)
 MOV files can be downloaded! (size:4MB)

　
 
We elucidate the role of CD8+ T cells by improved FACS analysis methods of adipose stroma

　 

in Nature Medicine 2009
 
Conventional FSC/SSC plot of isolated 
adipose stromal vascular fraction (SV fraction)
Where are the cells?
 
Improved FSC/SSC plot of SVfraction
from adipose tissue
"Now you can see!"
　

To analyze the cell population changes in adipose tissue in obesity by flowcytometry, it is vital for obtaining the appropriate cell specimens of stromal-vascular fraction (SV fraction) in adipose tissue. We improved cell isolation and analyze protocols, which enable us to analyze multi-color analysis in adipose stroma.

Using this technique, we elucidated the role of CD8+ T cells in obese adipose tissue. CD8+ effector T cells contribute to macrophage recruitment and adipose tissue inflammation in obesity 

　

Multi-cellular kinetic in VIVO
Please download & see Videos here

 Development of high-speed, high-resolution, muti-color, in vivo imaging system


To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of pathological conditions consisted by the complicated and multi-cellular abnormal interactions in remodeling tissues, an intravital visualization technique, based on laser confocal microscopy was therefore needed and developed. It enabled us to precisely evaluate the three-dimensional structures in living tissue, and the multi-cellular dynamics in vivo with high time and spatial resolutions


Cellular kinetics in microcirculation
Video download


Blood cell kinetics in adipose tissue

With our technique, we can visualize multi-cellular kinetics in living animals as "You see in your eyes" or "Movie: Fantastic Voyage".

   

Deformed erythrocyte and platelets in microcirculation 
Video download

　 　 
　


Adipose tissue visualized by our novel imaging technique.
Vasculature network of adipose tissue
Video download


 To elucidate the nature of "Metabolic Syndrome"

Metabolic syndrome is a big medical issue as a result of visceral obesity. Using this technique, we focus on the metabolic syndrome and how obese adipose tissue plays a bad role in obesity. Adipose tissue contains multiple cell types including adipocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, endothelium, and blood cells, and all of them are specifically visualized in vivo. Our novel technique clearly visualized single platelets in vivo for the first time! Their multi-cellular interactions are important in normal adipose tissue function, and malfunctioning in obesity. First, we elucidated the close spatial and temporal relationships between angiogenesis and adipogenesis, and both were augmented in obesity, (we referred this as "obese adipose tissue remodeling")
Video download
 Three-dimeionsnaly-reconstructed image of adipose tissue including adipocyte, vasculature, and nucleus. 

"Adipose tissue remodeling in obesity" (2007 Diabetes)




Intravital observations of multicellular kinetics in adipose tissue in LIVING ANIMALS
Video download 		Metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation

One of the recent hot topics is "relationships between obesity and chronic inflammation". It is unclear how the chronic inflammation contribute to the pathological conditions in obesity. Using our intravitral observations, in microcirculation of obese adipose, close interactions of activated platelets, leukocytes, and endothelial cells in the vessel walls were also observed in obesity, which were indicative of activation of the leukocyte adhesion cascade, a hallmark of inflammation. Local platelet activation and upregulated expression of adhesion molecules contribute to these inflammatory processes in obese adipose. Using our new imaging technique to analyze the complex cellular interplay in vivo, we clearly showed that adipose tissue obesity is an inflammatory disease and it also enabled us to evaluate potential therapeutic interventions against it.

Video download
Leukocyte-endothelium-platelet interactions in microcirculation in obese adipose tissue.
(2008 J Clin Invest)

Rolling leukocyte in microcirculation in obese adipose tissue.

　 　 
　

To elucidate the inflammatory diseases: arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and malignant tumors

We are approaching to the underlying molecular mechanisms by combining of imaging technique and molecular techniques, such as, FACS analysis, RT-PCR and blotting. Imaging is the only one method.

We think by combining the molecular biological methodology and our imaging technique, we can elucidate the multi-cellular abnormal interactions and complicated tissue remodeling in inflammatory diseases: arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and cancers.

There is a big GAP between molecular levels (examined by molecular biology), and individual levels (examined by transgenic animals). By seeing the single cellular function and structures in living animals, we might approach to the GAP such as normal cellular and organ networks, and abnormality in pathological conditions, which are vital for elucidation of the mechanisms of these common diseases.



　

　

　

　



We are very welcome to the collaboration using our imaging system.
Please contact via this e-mail address.

　 

　
　
　

 Yokogawa Electric Corporation

Nikon

Carl Zeiss

Leica

Olympus

ANDOR

JST PREST Project Innovative use of light and materials / life

Our website is link-free.
  http://www.invivoimaging.net/
  http://www.invivoimaging.jp/

Our website is link-free.
  http://www.invivoimaging.net/
  http://www.invivoimaging.jp/