Cutaneous window for in vivo observations of organs and angiogenesis

Background and objective. The continuous observation in experimental animals of internal organs and processes, such as wound healing and angiogenesis, has been achieved using a variety of transparent windows and chambers. Our objective was to develop procedures for these observations using disposable material for the window and simple surgical techniques. Methods. For observation of wound healing in the mouse kidney, the kidney was externalized and a wedge was excised. An oval window of polyvinyl chloride film was sutured in place in the skin over the wound. The progress of healing of the wound was observed through the window over 10 days. For observation of angiogenesis, adrenocortical cells were transplanted beneath fascia and muscle and a window was sewn into the skin above the site of transplantation. Results. Clear observations could be made using these cutaneous windows over the period of the experiments. Healing of a wound in the kidney was photographed and measured. The growth of new blood vessels over the site of adrenocortical cell transplantation was observed. Conclusions. Continuous in vivo observations of organs such as the kidney and processes such as angiogenesis can be made in experimental animals using this simple technique, (C) 2000 Academic Press.