MS-2 fibrosarcoma characterization by laser induced autofluorescence

Background and Objective MS-2 fibrosarcoma implanted in BALB-CDF1 mice was investigated by frequency and time domain measurements of the autofluorescence (AF) radiation emitted upon excitation by a N2 laser beam (337.1 nm). Study Design/Materials and Methods AF spectra were obtained by using a spectrograph, a multichannel plate and an optical multichannel analyzer for the steady state detection. Time-resolved spectra were performed by means of a monochromator, a photomultiplier, and a digital signal analyzer. Results Spectral measurements show that the autofluorescence intensity of pathologic tissue is lower than that of healthy one in the 400- to 500- spectral region. In the same spectral range, we found the fluorescence decay to be the sum of a fast and a slow component. The lifetime of the fast component of tumoral tissue is significantly lower than that of healthy samples. Conclusion Frequency and time domain measurements used in combination show that MS2-fibrosarcoma is characterized by the probable presence of the free form of NADH. Lasers Surg. Med. 26:441-448, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.