Abstract:

Multimodal imaging is an important part of the study of placenta structure and function, as well as embryonic development, particularly in transgenic mice. The development of novel imaging techniques can contribute significantly to enhance our understanding of placental structure, exchange within the placenta, as well as the architecture and function of the maternal and fetal vasculature system, all of which are critical in the evaluation of the dynamic relationships between the mother, placenta, and fetus during pregnancy. Recent progress of a number of imaging approaches is described herein, including non-invasive MRI, ultrasound imaging, fluorescence microscopy, and photoacoustic imaging. Applications of these techniques are used to monitor the details of blood-flow patterns in the uterine arteries, to measure placental perfusion, and to characterize angiogenesis and vascular permeability, providing insight into placental and fetal pathologies. All of these findings eventually provide a better appreciation for the unique properties of mammalian development and reproduction.