Vascular phenotyping

Vascular health and heart disease are closely related as, regardless of primacy, the outcome of disease in either will also affect the other. At AU, there are several well established techniques to study functional properties in vessels. Prices depend on the chosen protocol and time spent. See general price examples, or contact us for more information.

Myography

The wire myograph system is used to test velocity and intensity of muscle contraction in vessels as small as 60 µm. Vessel circumference is kept constant and tension and/or relaxation in response to added compounds can be registered. The technique is commonly used for the aorta, basilar, coronary, mesentery and other small arteries, but can also be used for veins, lymph vessels, tracheal rings and bladder rings.

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI)

Increased cerebral blood flow in response to stimulus. Photo: Christian Stæhr

LSCI is an optical technique with high spatial and temporal resolution, which allows for visualization of microvascular perfusion in skin, brain, kidney, eyes and other organs. This can be done in anaesthetized and alert animals. Speckle patterns are obtained when the biological tissue creates natural variance of backscattering of the laser signal, thus mirroring identifiable structures that can be detected using a camera. Dynamic speckles can be tracked in relation to static speckles, to track blood flow in a vessel. It can be used to study interventions/conditions like stroke, sunburns or diabetic ulcers. Some applications might require sophisticated preparation, such as the intracranial window in stroke models. We are happy to assist with this, when needed.

Ultrasound

Major arteries can be visualized and evaluated using ultrasound, and flow velocity and strain can subsequently be assessed. Ultrasound and echocardiography is further described here.