FITC-dextran tracers in microcirculatory and permeability studies using combined fluorescence stereo microscopy, fluorescence light microscopy and electron microscopy

Abstract

Coupling fluorescein-isothiocyanate to dextrans (FITC-D) extends the usefulness of the dextrans as electron microscopic tracer particles by permitting preceding fluorescence stereo microscopy and high-power light microscopy of the tissue specimens. The fate of the tracer may thus be studied in vivo during the experiment, during fixation, and during the succeeding tissue processing. A study of some simple physicochemical characteristics of the tracer, and the influence, if any, of the fixing agent are also made possible. FITC-D was found to be uncharged in the pH range from 6.5 to 8.5, more rapidly precipitated by acetone than by alcohol, and to react with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide in an unknown way during tissue fixation. FITC-D with molecular weights 70,000 and 150,000 showed no signs of diffusion during tissue preparation with the methods reported in the paper, whereas FITC-D 40,000 did so to a slight degree, when the tissue was kept for several days in the fixative vehicle. Securing the preservation of the lower molecular weight FITC-Ds during tissue fixation and preparation is more difficult and the described methods are not adequate. Dextrans provoke an anaphylactic reaction in most rat strains, but are well tolerated by Wistar Furth rats. The introduction of FITC into the dextran molecule might alter the biological reactions, but was also well tolerated by Wistar Furth rats. Combined fluorescence stereo microscopy, fluorescence microscopy of sections, light microscopy of strained sections and electron microscopy made it possible to follow a particular microcirculatory area, selected in vivo, to the final study in the electron microscope.