Mechanical Mapping of Spinal Cord Growth and Repair in Living Zebraﬁsh Larvae by Brillouin Imaging

Biophysical Journal, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2018.07.027 · Published: September 4, 2018

Regenerative Medicine Physiology Neurology

Simple Explanation

The study uses Brillouin microscopy to measure the mechanical properties of spinal cord tissue in living zebraﬁsh larvae during development and after spinal cord injury. Brillouin microscopy is capable of detecting the mechanical properties of distinct anatomical structures without interfering with the animal’s natural development. Mechanical properties differed between tissues in situ and in excised slices, highlighting the importance of in vivo measurements.

Study Duration

5 days

Participants

Zebrafish larvae

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The Brillouin shift within the spinal cord remained comparable during development, indicating stable mechanical properties.
2
After spinal cord injury, a significant but transient drop in the Brillouin shift was detected at the lesion site.
3
Mechanical properties differed between tissues measured in their natural environment (in situ) versus tissues that had been dissected and sliced (ex vivo).

Research Summary

This study uses Brillouin microscopy to map the mechanical properties of spinal cord tissue in living zebraﬁsh larvae during development and after spinal cord injury, providing a non-destructive method for in vivo assessment. The study found that the Brillouin shift, indicative of mechanical properties, remained stable during development but transiently decreased at the lesion site after spinal cord injury. The research highlights the importance of in vivo measurements, as mechanical properties differed significantly between tissues measured in situ and ex vivo.

Practical Implications

Understanding Spinal Cord Regeneration

The study provides insights into the mechanical signals that influence spinal cord development and repair, potentially aiding in regenerative medicine.

Advancing Tissue Engineering

The methodology offers a basis for identifying key determinants of mechanical tissue properties in the central nervous system, benefiting tissue engineering efforts.

Drug Discovery

The approach can be used to test the relative importance of mechanics in combination with biochemical and genetic factors during developmental and regenerative processes, opening possibilities for drug discovery.

Study Limitations

1
The study acknowledges that the interpretation of longitudinal modulus remains challenging, and further research is needed.
2
The influence of anesthesia on the mechanical properties of zebraﬁsh tissue is not fully understood.
3
The study suggests that Brillouin microscopy is largely sensitive to the water content of the probed volume.

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