Vibrational spectroscopy and multiphoton microscopy for label‑free visualization of nervous system degeneration and regeneration

Biophysical Reviews, 2024 · DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01158-2 · Published: October 5, 2023

Simple Explanation

Neurological disorders present challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Label-free multiphoton microscopy offers visualization of nervous tissue without labels. These techniques help assess treatment efficacy and have potential in clinical diagnostics. Vibrational spectroscopy methods offer insights into molecular signatures of injured nervous tissues. This review summarizes label-free optical techniques in preclinical models. It illustrates their potential in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders. Label-free tissue imaging eliminates the need for sample sectioning. It minimizes the potential for staining-related artifacts and preserves the natural state of the sample. Label-free imaging offers improved reproducibility.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
Coherent Raman scattering and third harmonic generation enable label-free visualization of myelin sheaths. Combining these with two-photon excited autofluorescence and second harmonic generation allows comprehensive tissue visualization.
2
Spectroscopy provides information on biochemical changes within the injured tissue. Label-free microscopy allows comprehensive visualization of degenerating and regenerating nervous structures, axons, and cells. Label-free methods are well-suited for in vivo tissue analysis.
3
Label-free multiphoton microscopy offers specific morphological information and chemical selectivity, making it suitable for automated image analysis. Various analyses can be performed, including intensity analysis, area measurement, and structure evaluation.

Research Summary

New optical techniques in neuroscience advance understanding of neurological conditions. They show potential in unraveling processes and evaluating therapies for spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve injury, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy characterize molecular changes in injured nervous tissue. These offer valuable information about molecular signatures, aiding understanding of pathological processes and providing potential diagnostic markers. Label-free multiphoton microscopy visualizes neural tissue non-invasively and with high resolution. It has enabled investigation into the microenvironment of injured nerves, evaluation of myelin changes, and the study of neuroinflammatory responses.

Practical Implications

Clinical Diagnostics

The reviewed techniques show promise for future applications in clinical diagnostics, particularly in assessing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

Personalized Medicine

Advancements in optical techniques can pave the way for personalized medicine approaches for nervous system injury, degeneration, and regeneration.

Surgical Guidance

Optical techniques have the potential for guiding surgical interventions and monitoring treatment responses, leading to improved outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
Inability to effectively address the glial scar with current spectroscopic methods.
2
Limited spectral resolution of many CARS systems hinders clear distinction between structures.
3
Imaging depth of multiphoton microscopy is limited in strongly myelinated nervous tissue.

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