IMAGE ANALYSIS OF VASCULAR CASTS

本研究的目标是开发快速、自动化的仪器程序，以详细分析心脏的完整动脉网络。测量的参数包括动脉直径、动脉分支频率、分支长度和分支角度。本研究基于这样一个工作假设，即在血管网络中含有荧光微膜的组织块连续切片时，可以从新鲜暴露表面的数字荧光图像中获得快速重建详细血管图的数据。该项目将调整用于组织切片和视频成像的仪器，用于血管网络测绘。在第一阶段，将对视频成像系统进行修改，以便在连续切片期间从组织块中获得微胶片荧光图像。将确定组织和图像收集和存储的最佳条件。将开发一种分析方法，将图像数据转换为适合网络分析的数据库。第一阶段的研究将证明工作假设的可行性，并为第二阶段的大型动物心脏测量提供设计参数。该项目将为生理学和微循环研究人员提供一种改进的、负担得起的工具，用于血管网络制图和生物系统中血管、肺、神经和其他网络的网络分析。建议的商业应用：该技术将使Microfil评估血管网络的方法自动化。目前需要数月至数年的程序将缩短至数小时或数天。潜在市场包括目前正在研究血管分支的研究实验室，以及大量额外的研究人员，他们现在可以评估以前由于时间消耗和数据采集和分析成本而无法回答的血管生理学问题。

The goal of this research is to develop rapid, automated instrumentation procedures for detailed analysis of complete arterial networks in hearts. Measured parameters will include arterial diameter, frequency of arterial branching, branch lengths, and branching angle. This research is based on the working hypothesis that data for rapid reconstruction of detailed vascular maps can be obtained from digital fluorescence images of freshly- exposed surfaces during serial sectioning of tissue blocks containing fluorescent Microfil in the vascular network. The project will adapt instrumentation for tissue sectioning and videoimaging for use in vascular network mapping. During Phase I a videoimaging system will be modified to obtain Microfil fluorescence images from tissue blocks during serial sectioning. Optimal conditions for tissues and for image collection and storage will be determined. An analysis method 'will be developed to convert image data into databases suitable for network analysis. Phase 1 studies will demonstrate the feasibility of the working hypothesis and provide design parameters for measurements of large animal hearts during Phase II. This project will provide physiology and microcirculation researchers with an improved and affordable tool for vascular network mapping and for network analysis of vascular, pulmonary, neural and other networks in biological systems. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: This technology would automate Microfil methods for evaluating vascular networks. Procedures that currently take months to years will be shortened to hours and days. Potential markets include research laboratories currently studying vascular branching and a large number of additional researchers who could now evaluate questions of vascular physiology that could not previously be answered due to time-consumption and cost of data acquisition and analysis.