Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
A group of researchers from scientific institutions in the United States (USA) developed a new technique to visualize the organs of living mice, after making the skin of these animals transparent by applying a popular food dye, reported this Thursday the University of Texas at Dallas.
The bodies of most mammals are not transparent because light is scattered when interacting with tissues. This phenomenon, known as light scattering, occurs because tissues are made up of various components, such as proteins, fats and fluids.
Each of these components has a physical property known as refractive index, so they slow down light differently. According to scientists, to make living tissue transparent, a method had to be found to match the different refractive indices, so that the light would not be scattered.
In a study published in the journal Science, it was reported that tartrazine, a dye commonly used in orange candies, allowed the organic tissue of mice, especially their thin skin, to become transparent.
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The specialists explained that the substance, also known as FD&C Yellow 5, managed to modify the refractive index of water so that it coincided with that of the other components of the skin. Additionally, the dye molecules reduced the intensity at which light is scattered in the skin tissue, allowing it to appear optically transparent even though it is normally opaque.
The skin on the skull and abdomen of the rodents became transparent after applying a mixture of water and tartrazine. Through the transparent skin of the skull, scientists were able to directly observe the blood vessels of the brain, while in the abdomen they could see the internal organs and the muscular contractions of the digestive tract.
The researchers assure that this process is reversible, since the dye can be removed from the animals' skin by simply washing it. They also point out that if the substance were introduced into the skin of rodents there would be no risk, because it is metabolized and eliminated through urine.
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Time-lapse images of brain blood vessels just beneath the skull of a sedated mouse, revealed without any surgery, incisions or damage to the mouse's bone or skin. Stanford University/Gail Rupert/NSF
Professor Hong Guosong said that his innovative technique may one day be used in various medical procedures in humans. However, he stressed that there would be difficulties when testing people, since human skin is approximately 10 times thicker than mouse skin. Scientists do not know what the correct dose of dye or the administration method would be so that it can penetrate the skin. (Text and photos: RT)
