Optimizing technical approaches of endoscopic confocal fluorescence microscopic (ECFM) combined with smart probing for small animal studies of the lung

优化内窥镜共焦荧光显微镜（ECFM）结合智能探测的技术方法，用于小动物肺部研究

基本信息

批准号：
RGPIN-2016-06279
负责人：
Lesur, Olivier
金额：
$ 1.6万
依托单位：
Université de Sherbrooke
依托单位国家：
加拿大
项目类别：
Discovery Grants Program - Individual
财政年份：
2018
资助国家：
加拿大
起止时间：
2018-01-01 至 2019-12-31
项目状态：
已结题

来源：
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=657298
关键词：
Optimizing technical approaches endoscopic confocal

项目摘要

Our research aims at developing tools to optimize the use of small animals, such as rats, in the context of a new imaging method named probe-based confocal endomicroscopy (pCLE). pCLE consists of inserting a small imaging conduit inside a subject to visualize its organs, using various kinds of light. While this method can already be used in humans, clinical studies and studies in large animals are very expensive. Hence, developing appropriate tools to conduct small animal experiments with this new imaging method will allow us to unlock its full potential.***Aim 1. Our research will develop new imaging beacons that become bright when a protein is present, or when a specific cell or molecule mechanism is active. Using beacons of various sizes will enable the detecting several mechanisms at the same time.***Aim 2. We will develop two methods to better locate where these beacons are activated. The first method will enable us to detect where the imaging conduit is, and will be based on a camera capable of detecting faint signal from the outside of the animal. The second method will consist of highlighting structures in the rat lung. This will be useful to better navigate within it, and identify the lung structure we are imaging.***Aim 3. We will build a device capable of generating aerosols – liquid droplets – that will then be sent within a specific region of the rat lung. This device will allow us to send the beacons developed here, as well as any other molecule of interest, such as drugs. The precise delivery of agents and drugs will facilitate research in small animals.***Overall, this research will improve the way we use small animal models for pCLE experiments, reduce the number of animals needed, as well as cut the cost of research in our field by using our resources more efficiently. **

我们的研究旨在开发工具，以在一种名为基于探针的共聚焦延伸（PCLE）的新成像方法的背景下优化小动物（例如大鼠）的使用。 PCLE包括使用各种光线在主题中插入一个小成像导管，以使其器官可视化。虽然该方法已经可以用于人类，但大型动物的临床研究和研究非常昂贵。因此，开发使用这种新成像方法进行小动物实验的合适工具将使我们能够解锁其全部潜力。使用各种尺寸的信标将同时实现检测几种机制。第一种方法将使我们能够检测成像导管的位置，并基于能够从动物外部检测纯信号的摄像机。第二种方法将包括突出显示大鼠肺中的结构。这对于更好地导航并确定我们正在成像的肺结构很有用。该设备将使我们能够在此处发送信标，以及任何其他感兴趣的分子，例如药物。代理和药物的精确输送将有助于小动物的研究。 **