Fluorescence in iliac artery wall of rabbit induced by AIPc

The aim of this work was to verify the Al-Phthalocyanine (AlPc) absorption in iliac artery wall of a rabbit, through transadventitial fluorescence measurement. Two Norfolk male rabbits, weighing 3.5 kg were used. The iliac artery was dissected and isolated. The artery was then clamped in two points with simple ligatures spaced 1.5 cm. The experiment was made in three phases, with acquisition of several fluorescence spectra in different points of the iliac artery. Firstly was measured the pre and post clamping transadventitial fluorescence without the presence of the photosensitizer. On the second phase, the AlPc, 2.5 (mu) M in 50 (mu) L solution, was injected locally into the clamped region and fluorescence spectra were collected in t=0 minutes and t=15 minutes. Finally, 30 minutes from the beginning of the experiment the clamping was removed, the blood flow restarted into the artery, and the fluorescence spectra was collected in t=5 minutes and t=10 minutes. The excitation was made using an Argon Laser (Stabilite 2017-Spectra Physics), operating in 488nm with 7mW optical power measured at the distal fiber tip. A unique peak, centered in 682nm, identifies the AlPc presence on the analyzed tissue.