Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optical imaging technology capable of cellular resolutions. OCT is based on the detection of backscattered near infrared laser radiation and is analogous to ultrasound B-mode imaging except reflections of light are detected rather than sound. Using the Xenopus laevis (African frog) developmental biology animal model, in vivo mitotic activity of differentiating mesenchymal cells was imaged throughout the cell cycle. Individual cell nuclei and membranes were identified with OCT free-space resolutions of 5 µm. Cell migration was observed by tracking neural crest melanocytes within nontransparent Xenopus specimens which may be relevant in developmental and molecular biology. Cell morphology was confirmed with corresponding histology. Optical coherence tomography may have the potential for imaging in vivo cellular morphology in humans for the early detection of neoplastic changes.

© 1998 Optical Society of America