Aims: 

Previously we examined vasoactive materials related reactions of gingival superficial venules with vital microscopy. Inability of making the tissues more transparent and missing of one dimension (depth) limited our work. It was necessary to develop a biocompatible substance that helps to increase the gingival transparency so as to have direct visual access to the profound layers, with the simultaneous construction of a unique 3D vital microscopy system.

Methods: 

Test solutions were adjusted similar to extracellular fluid. Ex vivo rat tissue samples (skeletal muscle, salivary gland, intestine, liver, and kidney) were used to evaluate the clearing effect. Absorbance changes induced were measured in function of time. Moreover, our staff developed a 3D imaging system, which consists of a stereo microscope, 2 stereo converters, 2 high-resolution cameras, 2 monitors with a beam splitter used for imaging, and computer software with 3D measuring capability. We tested the system in vivo on rat microcirculation and secretion.

Results: 

The developed solutions significantly decreased the absorbance of treated tissues as compared to control. After 60 minutes the absorbance values remained stable in the following hour. In vivo preliminary experiments in gingiva and submandibular gland confirm this fact.

Conclusion: 

The solution, the protocol and the set up technically allow the implementation of the cutting edge transparent 3D vital microscopy, that makes high fidelity 3D observations available in vivo in a so far unavailable manner.

Support: 

OTKA T049708, SE Dental Faculty Research Application FOK/DH/3-5/2011