Col‐F, a fluorescent probe for ex vivo confocal imaging of collagen and elastin in animal tissues. Issue 6 (12th February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Biela, Ewa; Galas, Jerzy; Lee, Brian; Johnson, Gary L.; Darzynkiewicz, Zbigniew; Dobrucki, Jurek W.
• Is Part Of: Cytometry. Volume 83A:Issue 6(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 533
• Page End: 539
• Publication Date: 2013-02-12
• Subjects: extracellular matrix -- collagen -- elastin -- fluorescence microscopy -- live cell imaging -- confocal microscopy; Flow cytometry -- Periodicals; Imaging systems in biology -- Periodicals; Imaging systems in medicine -- Periodicals; Diagnostic imaging -- Periodicals; 571.605
• DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22264
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-4922

Abstract

Abstract: A new low‐molecular‐weight fluorescent probe, Col‐F, that exhibits affinity to collagen and elastin, was used successfully in imaging of extracellular matrix in freshly excised animal tissues. Col‐F readily penetrates between live cells into tissues and binds to fibers of collagen and elastin by a noncovalent mechanism. Fibers of collagen and elastin have been stained in a variety of tissues, including tendon, skeletal muscle, connective tissue, and arteries. Cells migrating in a Col‐F‐stained collagenous biomaterial were also imaged. No phototoxic effects were detected when live keratocytes were imaged in the in vitro culture in the presence of Col‐F. In conclusion, Col‐F provides a simple and convenient tool for fluorescence three‐dimensional imaging of intricate collagenous and elastic structures in live and fixed animal tissues, as well as in collagen‐containing biomaterials. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry