Multi-methodological insight into the vessel wall cross-section: Raman and AFM imaging combined with immunohistochemical staining

The vascular wall cross-section was submitted to multiparametric analysis with the application of several micro-scale methods: Raman and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging as well as immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Both IHC staining as a standard reference method and Raman imaging allowed for visualization of tissue components such as elastin fibers or cell nuclei, moreover, Raman spectroscopy provided specific biochemical information about sample composition. Application of AFM complemented the chemical information with the data about the topography of the studied sample. Developing such a methodology allows for the multiparameter description of the vessel wall status that could be useful to monitor ex vivo the disease progression and effects of treatment in experimental diabetes, atherosclerosis or hypertension.