Sagittal view of zebrafish heart. (a) Channel 1 intensity video, (b) Channel 2 intensity video, (c) Channel 1 phase video, (d) Channel 2 phase video, (e) Absolute velocity map. Scale bar = 100 μm. A: atrium, V: ventrical, VA: vental aorta. Cardiac output may be determined by integrating the velocity values across the ventral aorta and multiplying by the cross-sectional area and heart rate.
Fly-through video of the head and upper body of fish. (a) Ventral view. (b) Sagittal view.
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PSI SideView™ Imaging Microplate

Cardiac Functional Imaging System

The zebrafish has become widely accepted as useful tool for study of vertebrate cardiovascular function. Zebrafish are therefore an excellent model both for cardiac drug discovery and for cardiotoxicology. Drugs known to cause heart rhythm abnormalities in humans generally affect zebrafish larval cardiac function. PSI has developed a Fourier Domain Optical Doppler Tomography (FDODT) system to collect structural and velocity video data from zebrafish larvae. Data collected using the FDODT system has been used for cardiac output measurements on 5- to 7-dpf larvae.

PSI has generated preliminary specifications for a custom, semi-automated cardiac imaging system. The system is capable of generating high-resolution structural video data and accurate measurement of blood flow in the major vessels including the bulbous arteriosus and ventral aorta.

Preliminary Specifications:

  1. 50 nm bandwidth SLD
  2. CCD camera that is parfocal with OCT
  3. Single beam, direction of flow will be determined from structural image
  4. Real time board
  5. Motorized stage (x-y)
    1. Use SideView™ plates to restrict orientation of animal—not using prism
    2. Use large lens for high numerical aperture and large enough field of view to see entire length of well. Adjust scan position using mirrors.
    3. Or, use similar objective to Phase I device and have user position stage
    4. User adjusts z-position
  6. Simple analysis software
    1. User defines analysis line across vessel of interest
    2. Software identifies vessel diameter and integrated velocity for stroke volume or peak velocity for simpler contractility measurement
    3. User defines analysis lines across atrium and ventricle for direct measure of contraction