Simultaneous measurements of lymphatic vessel contraction, flow and valve dynamics in multiple lymphangions using optical coherence tomography
Lymphatic dysfunction is involved in many diseases including lymphedema, hypertension, autoimmune responses, graft rejection, atherosclerosis, microbial infections, cancer and cancer metastasis. Expanding our knowledge of lymphatic system function can lead to a better understanding of these disease processes and improve treatment options. Here, optical coherence tomography (OCT) methods were used to reveal intraluminal valve dynamics in 3D, and measure lymph flow and vessel contraction simultaneously in three neighboring lymphangions of the afferent collecting lymphatic vessels to the popliteal lymph node in mice. Flow measurements were based on Doppler OCT techniques in combination with exogenous lymph labelling by Intralipid. Through these ...
