In vivo real-time optical coherence tomography imaging of Drosophila for cardiovascular research

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a powerful imaging modality. OCT scanners, such as the Michelson Diagnostics EX1301 OCT microscope, uniquely provide real-time, in vivo, micrometer-scale images of biological tissue to a depth of 1 mm or more, allowing noninvasive study of dynamic tissue microstructure of living organisms at depths beyond the reach of standard microscopy. Here we describe the use of OCT to study the cardiovascular dynamics of Drosophila melanogaster.