Extended Data Fig. 6: Laser ablation does not damage endothelial cells.
From: Interpericyte tunnelling nanotubes regulate neurovascular coupling
a, b, The laser parameters used to ablate IP-TNTs did not damage endothelial cells, even when aimed directly at capillaries, or alter blood retinal barrier integrity, as there was no leakage of FITC-coupled dextran (70 kDa, a) or fluorescein (332 Da, b). Experiments were replicated 3 times. c, Longer laser exposure time directed at endothelial cells in a single capillary (white circle) was required to cause damage (>4 s), as assessed by leakage of FITC-coupled dextran. Experiments were replicated 3 times. d, e, Ca2+ signals in endothelial cells after laser ablation, visualized with Fluo-4-AM, were indistinguishable from those in non-laser-ablated controls, suggesting that this procedure caused no major alterations (n = 9 capillaries per group, n = 2 mice per group; two-tailed Student’s t-test, n.s., not significant). Data are presented as mean values ± s.e.m.
