Brilliant cresyl blue enhanced optoacoustic imaging enables non-destructive imaging of mammalian ovarian follicles for artificial reproduction. Issue 172 (25th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dutta, Rahul; Mandal, Subhamoy; Lin, Hsiao-Chun Amy; Raz, Tal; Kind, Alexander; Schnieke, Angelika; Razansky, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Royal Society interface. Volume 17:Issue 172(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11-25
• Subjects: brilliant cresyl blue -- optoacoustic imaging -- artificial reproductive technology -- medical imaging -- veterinary medicine; Physical sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Interdisciplinary research -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0776
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-5689

Abstract

Abstract : In the field of reproductive biology, there is a strong need for a suitable tool capable of non-destructive evaluation of oocyte viability and function. We studied the application of brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) as an intra-vital exogenous contrast agent using multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) for visualization of porcine ovarian follicles. The technique provided excellent molecular sensitivity, enabling the selection of competent oocytes without disrupting the follicles. We further conducted in vitro embryo culture, molecular analysis (real-time and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) and DNA fragmentation analysis to comprehensively establish the safety of BCB-enhanced MSOT imaging in monitoring oocyte viability. Overall, the experimental results suggest that the method offers a significant advance in the use of contrast agents and molecular imaging for reproductive studies. Our technique improves the accurate prediction of ovarian reserve significantly and, once standardized for in vivo imaging, could provide an effective tool for clinical infertility management.