Precision-Cut Lung Slices (PCLS) help researchers understand pathophysiological mechanisms associated with various respiratory diseases. The physioLens is a scientific platform that provides accurate physiological and image-based outcomes in a reproducible fashion. It includes an automated microscope and fluid handling system.
The physioLens is capable of capturing images anywhere on slices in a 6 well plate and apply doses without user intervention. Images are analyzed in real-time to provide bronchoconstriction data.
Agonists are provided to the slice without user intervention by a dosing nozzle, that can provide a 95% media exchange in less than 20 seconds. In addition, eight dosing bottles are provided to complete a detailed dose response automatically.
Image analysis: Images of airways are automatically processed to capture the lumen contours and then calculate bronchoconstriction.
Navigating a slice is not necessary with our airway configuration wizard complete with full slice mapping. Fine tune the positions of interest with our click-and-drag XY navigation.
Tissue slices are held in place with a transparent when wet membrane allowing seamless sample-mounting.
The airway smooth muscle plays an undeniable role in asthma. The excessive amount of contraction it can generate as well as the enhanced sensitivity have been associated with key characteristics of asthma, namely bronchoconstriction and airway hyperresponsiveness. Using the physioLens with PCLS allows for airways to be individually characterized for bronchoconstriction. Details about the size, shape and location of the airways are all acquired. External influences are removed, allowing for direction understanding of bronchoconstriction. This technique is an emerging pharmacological tool.
The physioLens is equipped with one brightfield LED and has the option of having three fluorescence LEDs. The LED used to excite the channel can be selected instantaneously.
Repeated imaging of multiple airways is accomplished by automated XY stage with micron accuracy thanks to feedback-controlled positioning. A low magnification objective (4x) allows for scanning six entire slices in under 10 minutes. The compiled images allow scientists to find airways in an intuitive manner.
The physioLens currently provides the lumen area of tissue slices, which in turn is used to calculate the bronchoconstriction of the airways of sizes ranging from 50 to over 500 microns. Automated lumen area measurements are accomplished by edge detection algorithms.
Media exchange is accomplished by a nozzle consisting of both an in and an out port. This nozzle enables a media exchange of at least 95% in under 20 seconds.
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