Imaging and measuring permeability of the vasculature Event

Speaker: Dr Kenton Arkill, University of Bristol http://research-information.bristol.ac.uk/en/persons/kenton-arkill%28c5271f31-ee5d-4b7c-9287-9e08875bec07%29.html

The primary role of the vascular system is to exchange desired molecules either in or out of the tissues. The endothelial cells lining the blood vessels have a specialised glycocalyx layer (EGL) that is believed to act as a barrier filter to help control the molecular transport.

Measuring the structure of the EGL, especially if in tandem with solute permeability properties, can be complex. There are several EGL parameters that determine the permeability. These include depth, fibre spacing, fibre diameter and any lattice between the fibres. In this presentation the current methods of measurement in animal models are presented, along with their shortfalls. Correlative Light Electron Microscopy is used to relate the depth of the EGL and the permeability. 3D Scanning Electron Microscopy is used to determine the coverage whilst 3D Transmission Electron Microscopy can now be used to measure any lattice spacing.

The two limiting factors to determining the true contribution of the EGL to solute permeability are the fibre diameter and any effect from the shear forces from the blood. To conclude the presentation several novel imaging options are discussed as to how these parameters can be found