The present invention relates to methods of visualising cells especially although not exclusively in vivo using a dye, such as a dendrimer-dye molecule or polybranched-dye molecule which is internalised by the cells and thus permits subsequent visualisation by confocal fluorescence endomicroscopy or other optical detectors. There is also provided internally quenched probes for use in visualising cells especially although not exclusively in vivo by confocal fluorescence endomicroscopy and the use of internally quenched probes in combination with confocal fluorescence endomicroscopy, for visualising cells by virtue of internalisation and dequenching of a probe by the cells. In a particular embodiment the cells are activated neutrophils, such as within the lung of a subject.
本发明涉及使用
染料(如树枝状聚合物
染料分子或多分支
染料分子)观察细胞的方法,特别是(但不限于)在体内观察细胞的方法,这种
染料被细胞内化,从而允许随后通过共焦荧光内窥镜或其他光学探测器进行观察。此外,还提供了用于观察细胞的内淬探针,特别是通过共聚焦荧光内窥镜观察细胞(尽管不完全是在体内),以及将内淬探针与共聚焦荧光内窥镜结合使用,通过细胞对探针的内化和去淬作用观察细胞。在一个特定的实施方案中,细胞是活化的中性粒细胞,如受试者肺内的中性粒细胞。