The mucosal layer of conducting airways is the primary tissue exposed to inhaled microorganisms, allergens and pollutants. We developed an in vivo two-photon microscopic approach that allows performing dynamic imaging studies in the mouse trachea, which is a commonly used in vivo model of human small-diameter bronchi. By providing stabilized access to the tracheal mucosa without intubation, our setup uniquely allows dynamic in vivo imaging of mucociliary clearance and steady-state immune cell behavior within the complex airway mucosal tissue.
- Veres, T. Z.; Kopcsanyi, T.; Tirri, M.; Braun, A.; Miyasaka, M.; Germain, R. N.; Jalkanen, S.; Salmi, M.