Figure 5
MC in vivo search algorithm using TPE-FLIM method. TPT/FLIM imaging of human dermal MCs in vivo: Flowchart of the search algorithm for the identification of MCs in vivo using TPT/FLIM (a) and a typical papillae TPE-FLIM image showing blood capillaries (1) surrounded with elastin (2) and collagen III (3) and located in close proximity to blood capillary MCs characterized with a longer τm (> 1,000 ps) (4) and a shorter τm (< 800 ps) (5), measured in vivo without staining in the volar forearm at 80 µm depth (b). The mean fluorescence lifetime τm is shown by the color gradient ranging from 300 to 1,300 ps. Scale bar: 10 µm.
