ABSTRACT
Functional imaging is a powerful tool for investigating biological signaling, disease processes, and potential therapies in both in vivo and in vitro systems. Microscopy, including confocal and multiphoton microscopy, has been the standard for high-resolution functional imaging in live cells and tissues. However, these microscopy techniques sužer from relatively shallow imaging depths. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET have been the standard for functional imaging deep within the body, with the caveat of relatively poor resolution. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) ›lls a niche between high-resolution microscopy techniques and whole-body imaging techniques with relatively good resolution (∼1-10 μm) and penetration depths (∼1-2 mm) in tissue. OCT thus provides structural information noninvasively in vivo at a resolution similar to that of histology. Combined functional and structural imaging in this regime could become a powerful tool for small animal studies.
