Fig. 3
From: Targeted theranostic photoactivation on atherosclerosis
In vivo optical imaging of DS-Ce6 in the carotid plaques of mice with atherosclerosis. a In vivo fluorescence imaging of BALB/c nude mice with intravenous injection of DS-Ce6 at different time points (n = 3). b Schematic diagram of the custom-built multi-channel IVFM. c Representative in vivo imaging of the carotid atheroma at 48 h after the intravenous injection of DS-Ce6 or free Ce6 (intravenous dose: equivalent of 2 mg/kg of Ce6). The fluorescence image in the Ce6 channel (red) demonstrates the DS-Ce6 uptake in a carotid plaque. The FITC angiogram (green) outlines the vasculature. Arrow indicates carotid bifurcation. Scale bar = 400 μm. d pTBR of the carotid atheroma that received the intravenous injection of DS-Ce6 according to the circulation time as assessed by IVFM imaging (n = 3 per group). ***P < 0.001 versus the pTBR1h. e pTBR comparison between the DS-Ce6 and free Ce6 injection groups. *P < 0.05. f Localization of DS-Ce6 to macrophage SR-A in a carotid atheroma. CLSM image of DS-Ce6 deposition (red) in an atheroma, with elastin autofluorescence (gray). IF staining of the SR-A, macrophages (Mac3), SMCs (α-SMA), and ECs (CD31). CLSM exhibits DS-Ce6 accumulation within the atheroma, which co-localizes with the macrophages and SR-A (white arrowhead). Scale bar = 100 μm