? This research involves the development of a method to quantify regional flow in tissues using automated instrumental procedures. Phase I results have demonstrated that fluorescent antibodies, specific to antigens in capillary endothelium, can be spatially located in sequential fluorescence images recorded from frozen tissue blocks during organ serial sectioning. Statistical limitations imposed on fluorescent and radioactive microsphere methods are removed by the use of molecules as flow markers (molecular microspheres), greatly expanding the details of organ-flow maps. During Phase I, fluorescent antibodies were identified that have excellent retention in heart vascular systems and regional deposition which correlates strongly with simultaneously injected 15 micron-diameter flourescent microspheres. Both the validity of the molecular microsphere approach and the feasibility of the imaging methodology have been demonstrated. Phase II will concentrate on in vivo studies in heart, development of analysis procedures and validation studies in lung and brain to be undertaken by collaborators. Methods will also be developed to conduct multiple flow measurements in the same organ. This project will provide researchers with methods and instrumentation to measure regional flow in tissue volumes much smaller than those possible with current techniques. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
2R44HL070356-02
Application #
6833822
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-W (10))
Program Officer
Baldwin, Tim
Project Start
2002-09-15
Project End
2006-08-31
Budget Start
2004-09-15
Budget End
2005-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$375,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Barlow Scientific, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
194542296
City
Olympia
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98502