Methods for dynamic and whole volume imaging of the zebrafish heart.

TitleMethods for dynamic and whole volume imaging of the zebrafish heart.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsBakis, I, Sun, Y, Elmagid, LAbd, Feng, X, Garibyan, M, Yip, J, Yu, FZhou, Chowdhary, S, Fernandez, E, Cao, J, McCain, M, Lien, C-L, Harrison, MRm
JournalDev Biol
Date Published2023 Sep 12
ISSN1095-564X
Abstract

Tissue development and regeneration are dynamic processes involving complex cell migration and cell-cell interactions. We have developed a protocol for complementary time-lapse and three-dimensional (3D) imaging of tissue for developmental and regeneration studies which we apply here to the zebrafish cardiac vasculature. 3D imaging of fixed specimens is used to first define the subject at high resolution then live imaging captures how it changes dynamically. Hearts from adult and juvenile zebrafish are extracted and cleaned in preparation for the different imaging modalities. For whole-mount 3D confocal imaging, single or multiple hearts with native fluorescence or immuno-labeling are prepared for stabilization or clearing, and then imaged. For live imaging, hearts are placed in a prefabricated fluidic device and set on a temperature-controlled microscope for culture and imaging over several days. This protocol allows complete visualization of morphogenic processes in a 3D context and provides the ability to follow cell behaviors to complement in vivo and fixed tissue studies. This culture and imaging protocol can be applied to different cell and tissue types. Here, we have used it to observe zebrafish coronary vasculature and the migration of coronary endothelial cells during heart regeneration.

DOI10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.09.002
Alternate JournalDev Biol
PubMed ID37708968