Noninvasive optical imaging in rodent models of stroke

Abstract

With recent advances in optical imaging instrumentation and reconstruction algorithms, preclinical optical imaging has become almost a commodity in biomedical research. Given the availability of specific fluorescent probes and reporter gene technologies, which allow the noninvasive visualization of a variety of pathophysiological processes. The technology might also pose an attractive research tool for preclinical stroke research. This chapter gives a practical overview about near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging and bioluminescence imaging (BLI), the two most common noninvasive optical imaging techniques. Furthermore, we will provide examples about the application of these methods to rodent models of stroke and discusses practical aspects and limitations.