I am attempting to do ex vivo imaging of mouse retinal tissue on a multi-photon microscope, but the microscope is located about 30 minutes away from where I dissect out the retina. I attempted to just transport the retina in an airtight tube (on ice) containing oxygenated Ames' medium (pH 7.4), but am not getting good images once the retina reaches its destination. My hypothesis is that the tissue is not surviving the 30 minute commute without bubbling Ames' medium.
Does anyone know of a portable carbogen (95% oxygen, 5% CO2) tank that I could buy for purposes of transporting my live retinal tissue? Or of any kind of special container I could use for these purposes? Any expertise on this matter would help me greatly. Thanks in advance!
Dear Katelyn,
I suspect that your problem is not just the bubbling with carbogen but also the mechanical irritation of the retinal cells due to motion. I suggest you find a way of dissecting retina where the microscope is located. Also after such a long mechanical stimulation you will need to change and wash your tissue for at least half an hour to washout debris and toxins released by dead/dying cells.
best wishes,
Refik
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