Measurement of Endothelial Barrier Function in Mouse Models of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Using Intravital Microscopy.

Vascular permeability is a major function of the microvasculature that is regulated by multiple factors including blood pressure, blood viscosity, and endothelial barrier function. Intravital microscopy has been used to directly assess vascular permeability in vivo, which allows for the accurate measurement of endothelial barrier function in a truly physiological hemodynamic context. Here, we describe the procedure for measuring endothelial barrier function in mouse models of cerebral cavernous malformations, including micropipette preparation, anesthesia, tracheotomy, jugular catheterization, cremaster dissection, imaging, and data analysis. These animals exhibit an increase in microvessel permeability and abnormal vessel morphology, which require special consideration.