Imaging in gynecology research

Abstract

During the last years, sophisticated imaging technologies have been introduced in gynecology research, which allow for the repetitive and non-invasive in vivo analysis of dynamic processes within female reproductive tissues of small animals. These include intravital fluorescence microscopy, bioluminescence, ultrasound biomicroscopy, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to their individual advantages and disadvantages, each of these technologies has specific indications in different fields of gynecology research. Intravital fluorescence microscopy of transplanted ovarian tissue offers the possibility to gain new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of physiological angiogenesis during folliculogenesis and corpus luteum formation. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI enables for the non-invasive determination of placental perfusion and permeability in mouse models of severe pregnancy disorders. In addition, bioluminescence, ultrasound biomicroscopy and CT are useful tools to test the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of gynecologic tumors or endometriotic lesions. Accordingly, small animal imaging represents an essential part of preclinical gynecology research, which does not only improve our knowledge about physiological and pathological processes within the female reproductive organs, but also critically contributes to the establishment of future therapies for severe gynecological disorders. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.