LIVE COMPUTERIZED VIDEOMICROSCOPY OF CEREBRAL MICROVESSELS IN BRAIN-SLICES

A model system for studying cerebral microvasculature is presented in which submerged in vitro brain slices are examined by computerized vid eomicroscopy. Brain slices are superfused continuously with artificial cerebrospinal fluid, while blood vessels are monitored using a transm ission light microscope with water immersion objectives. The responses to well-characterized vasoactive compounds indicate that basic physio logical characteristics are maintained in this preparation. This model system represents a simple and rapid technique for studying cerebrova scular responses under conditions in which vessels are surrounded by t heir normal cellular microenvironment. An additional advantage of this technique is the ability to perform simultaneous electrophysiological recordings in identified neurons. This will facilitate the study of i nteractions between neuronal and vascular elements and may help elucid ate mechanisms underlying the local regulation of cerebral microvascul ature.