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Strategies to minimize background autofluorescence in live mice during noninvasive fluorescence optical imaging

Lab Animal volume 36, pages 40–43 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

As small-animal fluorescence imaging becomes increasingly accessible to a broad spectrum of users, many lab animal researchers are just beginning to be exposed to its challenges. One setback to fluorescence imaging is background autofluorescence generated in animal tissue and in ingested food. The authors bring this issue into focus, and show how autofluorescence can be reduced in nude mice through selection of appropriate excitation wavelength and mouse diet.

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Figure 1: A nude mouse fed a regular diet imaged using an eXplore Optix scanner shows varied levels of background signal when scanned under excitation wavelengths of 440 nm, 635 nm, 670 nm and 785 nm.
Figure 2: A substantial reduction in background autofluorescence was observed after replacing standard diet with special alfalfa-free chow.
Figure 3: Nude mice were imaged every few days at an excitation wavelength of 670 nm after having their standard diet replaced with a special diet.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Christoph Hergersberg for funding this project and for his support and suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. In Vivo Molecular Imaging Lab, GE Global Research, Niskayuna, 12309, NY

    Srabani Bhaumik,  Jeannette DePuy &  June Klimash

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  1. Srabani Bhaumik
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  2. Jeannette DePuy
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  3. June Klimash
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Correspondence to Srabani Bhaumik.

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Bhaumik, S., DePuy, J. & Klimash, J. Strategies to minimize background autofluorescence in live mice during noninvasive fluorescence optical imaging. Lab Anim 36, 40–43 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban0907-40

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