Research advances in near-infrared fluorescence imaging technology for breast cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRFI) is a new noninvasive detection and diagnosis technology, with the continuous development of NIRFI technology, now widely used in the clinic, characterized by high sensitivity, high penetration, no harmful radiation and simple equipment operation. This article describes the recent applications of NIRFI in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and looks at future developments and perspectives in this field.

Development of flow cytometry and its application in plant research / 生物工程学报

Flow cytometry is a multi-parameter, rapid and efficient method for qualitative analysis and quantitative determination of various fluorescently labeled particles in liquid flow. Flow cytometry has been applied in multiple disciplines such as immunology, virology, molecular biology, cancer biology and infectious disease monitoring. However, the application of flow cytometry in plant research is hampered due to the special composition and structure of plant tissues and cells, such as cell walls and secondary metabolites. In this paper, the development, composition and classification of flow cytometry were introduced. Subsequently, the application, research progress and application limitations of flow cytometry in plant field were discussed. At last, the development trend of flow cytometry in plant research was prospected, which provides new perspectives for broadening the potential application scope of plant flow cytometry.

Tinea capitis: dermoscopy and calcium fluorescent microscopy as highly efficient and precise diagnostic tools

Abstract Tinea capitis comprising of tinea favosa and kerion is mostly seen in school-aged children. Some tinea capitis often presented with insignificant findings under the naked eyes are easily overlooked. The authors describe an unusual case of tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton violaceum. The patient was an 8-year-old girl, with a history of pruritus on the scalp for more than one year. A diagnosis of tinea capitis was confirmed by clinical examination aided by dermoscopy, calcium fluorescent microscopy and culture. Comma and corkscrew hairs are two specific dermoscopic patterns of tinea capitis. The patient was treated with systemic itraconazole, topical application with 1% naftifine 0.25% ketoconazole cream followed after daily hair wash with 2% ketoconazole shampoo for 8 weeks.

Research and surgical application of fluorescent contrast agents / 国际外科学杂志

In recent years,the use of fluorescent contrast agents staining to guide surgery has flourished in various fields of surgery under the concept of precision surgery,which is helpful to guide surgery and provide surgeons with actual visible fluorescence imaging.Clinically,fluorescent contrast agent can be used to display tumor's outline with high recognition degree,guide operation in real time,locate lymph node metastasis,detect small metastases,and identify important anatomical structures during the operation to avoid possible side-injury.Great progress has been made in the study of fluorescent contrast agents that can mediate surgery,including the study and surgical application development of classical fluorescent contrast agents such as indocyanine green and methylene blue,etc,as well as the discovery and clinical application of new targeted fluorescent contrast agents such as folate receptor targeting contrast agents,monoclonal antibody based fluorescent targeting contrast agents and intelligent contrast agents,etc.This paper will review the research and surgical application of fluorescent contrast agents in two aspects:classical fluorescent contrast agents and new targeted fluorescent contrast agents.

Research and surgical application of fluorescent contrast agents / 国际外科学杂志

In recent years, the use of fluorescent contrast agents staining to guide surgery has flourished in various fields of surgery under the concept of precision surgery, which is helpful to guide surgery and provide surgeons with actual visible fluorescence imaging.Clinically, fluorescent contrast agent can be used to display tumor’s outline with high recognition degree, guide operation in real time, locate lymph node metastasis, detect small metastases, and identify important anatomical structures during the operation to avoid possible side-injury. Great progress has been made in the study of fluorescent contrast agents that can mediate surgery, including the study and surgical application development of classical fluorescent contrast agents such as indocyanine green and methylene blue, etc, as well as the discovery and clinical application of new targeted fluorescent contrast agents such as folate receptor targeting contrast agents, monoclonal antibody based fluorescent targeting contrast agents and intelligent contrast agents, etc. This paper will review the research and surgical application of fluorescent contrast agents in two aspects: classical fluorescent contrast agents and new targeted fluorescent contrast agents.

Imaging study on the homing of regulatory T cells in humanized heterologous liver tissue transplan-tation mouse model / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective To explore the homing of DiR labeled regulatory T cells ( Tregs) in human-ized heterologous liver tissue transplantation mouse model. Methods The fluorescence intensities of Tregs labeled with different concentrations of DiR dye and different incubation times were measured, and the cell viability was measured by 3-( 4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl )-5-( 3-carboxymethoxyphenyl )-2-( 4-sulfophenyl )-2H-tetrazolium ( MTS) assay to determine the optimal incubation time and dye concentration. The effect of DiR dye on the function and phenotype of Tregs was verified by flow cytometry. The xenogeneic liver tissue transplantation mouse model was constructed and the immune system was reconstituted. Small animal fluores-cence imaging was performed at different time points after infusion of Tregs. Immunohistochemistry analysis was used to analyze immune reconstitution and lymphocyte distribution in vivo. One-way analysis of variance and Dunnett-t test were used to analyze the data. Results With the increase of DiR concentration and incu-bation time, the fluorescence intensity of Tregs increased and gradually weakened after reaching the peak at 3 d. The cell viability of the 5. 00 μg/ml and 20. 00 μg/ml groups was significantly lower than that of the control group (culture medium) at various time points (F=120.142-182.025, t=9.969-19.329, all P<0. 05) . After incubation for 30 min and 60 min, the activity of Tregs was also significantly lower than that of the control group (F=21.826-301.968, t=6.897-40.016, all P<0.05). Tregs were finally co-incubated with DiR dye at a concentration of 2.50 μg/ml for 5 min, which was used further in vivo experiments. The flow cytometry showed that DiR dye did not affect the phenotype or the function of Tregs. The small animal fluorescence imaging showed that Tregs could locate in the graft area of mouse model. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Tregs could improve lymphocyte infiltration induced by immune reconstitution. Conclu-sion After labeling Tregs with DiR dye, the distribution of Tregs can be directly observed by fluorescence imaging, which is a promising imaging method for Tregs tracer.

Indocyanine green fluorescent imaging in laparoscopic hepatectomy / 中国医师杂志

The literatures on indocyanine green fluorescent imaging in hepatectomy,especially in laparoscopic hepatectomy were reviewed by retriving Web of science,Pubmed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang database.To view the progress and limitations of indocyanine green fluorescent imaging in laparoscopic hepatectomy.Indocyanine green fluorescent imaging can:(1) effectively detect and differentiate tumor;(2) visualize the staining of liver segment and differentiate bile duct;(3) detect bile leakage.However,high false positive rate and limitation in depth in tumor detectation are still the major disadvantages of indocyanine green fluorescent imaging.Also,the best dose and interval of indocyanine green are unknown.Indocyanine green fluorescent imaging will be very usefull in laparoscopic hepatectomy in future,also need to be explored in details,especially in oncology effect.

Indocyanine Green-Fluorescent Pancreatic Perfusion-Guided Resection of Distal Pancreas in Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm: Usefulness and Feasibility During Pancreaticobiliary Surgery

ICG is widely applied in real-time imaging during abdominal surgery, plastic surgery, as well as oncologic staging and treatment. A twenty-eight year-old female patient was found to have a 4.5 cm solid pseudopapillary neoplasm in the tail of the pancreas. Under ICG-fluorescent pancreatic perfusion-guidance, we easily defined the margin of the pancreatic tumor and secured the resection margin when performing laparoscopic distal pancreatosplenectomy in the patient. No clinically relevant complications, including postoperative pancreatic fistula, were noted. Intravenous ICG can be very easily and quickly detected in the pancreas under near infrared light. This enhanced vision gives strong contrast to the organ compared to a necrotic tumor with poor blood perfusion, such as solid pseudopapillary neoplasm. Based on our current experience, ICG pancreatic perfusion-guided determination of appropriate resection margin is useful and feasible during pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Evaluation of SYTO13 as fluorescent dye for high resolution melting based single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the utility of fluorescent dye SYTO 13 for high -resolution melting ( HRM) detection in single nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP) genotyping and its clinical application . Methods This is a performance verification study .36 genotype defined samples were divided into three groups:SNP rs3125734 C>T (class Ⅰ SNP) ,rs255758 A>C (class ⅡSNP) and rs688C>T.These samples were used to evaluate SYTO 13′s SNP genotyping capability of class ⅠSNP, classⅡSNP, and two PCR products of different lengths (52 and 107 bp) covering the same SNP of rs688C>T.The commercial HRM dye of LCGreen Plus was used as the control .The genotyping capability is indicated by the Tm difference(ΔTm) between wild type and homozygous mutant genotypes .The Tm differences between wild genotype and homozygous mutant genotype were compared using the Independent Samples t test.Paired t test was used to evaluate genotyping capability of the two dyes .The clinical applicability is evaluated by synchronously performing PCR amplification and HRM analysis on thirty -five randomly selected DNA samples with known genotypes of the three SNPs .Results The SNPs of class Ⅰ and class Ⅱ can be genotyped directly and clearly with SYTO13 (ΔTmclas Ⅰ =0.36 ±0.05,tclas Ⅰ =14.827,Pclas Ⅰ =0.000;ΔTm clas Ⅱ =0.42 ±0.110,tclasⅡ =9.539,Pclas Ⅱ =0.000).The classⅠSNP genotyping results was better using SYTO13 (ΔTmSYTO13 =0.39 ±0.027), while the SNP genotyping for small amplicon did not discriminated clearly in this study .Long amplicons of class ⅠandⅡSNPs can be identified directly except for several samples which can be genotyped accurately after having performed reexamination .Conclusion SYTO13 can apply for HRM analysis of genotyping classⅠand ⅡSNPs with long amplicon and for clinical routine detection.

NIRF Heptamethine Cyanine Dye Nanocomplexes for Multi Modal Theranosis of Tumors / 전남의대학술지

Heptamethine cyanine dyes are categorized as a class of near infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dyes which have been discovered to have tumor targeting and accumulation capability. This unique feature of NIRF dye makes it a promising candidate for imaging, targeted therapy and also as a drug delivery vehicle for various types of cancers. The favored uptake of dyes only in cancer cells is facilitated by several factors which include organic anion-transporting polypeptides, high mitochondrial membrane potential and tumor hypoxia in cancer cells. Currently nanotechnology has opened possibilities for multimodal or multifunctional strategies for cancer treatment. Including heptamethine cyanine dyes in nanoparticle based delivery systems have generally improved its theranostic ability by several fold owing to the multiple functionalities and structural features of heptamethine dyes. For this reason, nanocomplexes with NIRF heptamethine cyanine dye probe are preferred over non-targeting dyes such as indo cyanine green (ICG). This review sums up current trends and progress in NIRF heptamethine cyanine dye, including dye properties, multifunctional imaging and therapeutic applications in cancer.

Structure-Inherent Targeting of Near-Infrared Fluorophores for Image-Guided Surgery / 전남의대학술지

Although various clinical imaging modalities have been developed to visualize internal body structures and detect abnormal tissues prior to surgical procedures, most medical imaging modalities do not provide disease-specific images in real-time. Optical imaging can provide the surgeon with real-time visualization of the surgical field for intraoperative image-guided surgery. Imaging in the near-infrared (NIR) window (650-900 nm), also known as the “therapeutic window” has high potential by offering low absorbance and scattering in tissues resulting in minimized background autofluorescence. Clinically, optical fluorescence imaging with the targeted contrast agents provides opportunities for significant advances in intraoperative image-guided surgery. There are only two clinically available NIR fluorophores, indocyanine green (ICG) and methylene blue (MB), that support the image-guided surgery. However, neither of them perform in vivo by providing optimum specificity and stability for targeted image guidance. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop targeted NIR fluorophores for unmet clinical needs. Using the right combination of an NIR fluorescence imaging system and a targeted fluorophore, the desired target tissues can be imaged to provide real-time fluorescence guidance without changing the field-of-view during surgery. Thus, in a clinical discipline, the development of NIR fluorophores for ‘structure-inherent targeting’ is an unmet need for early phase diagnostics with accurate targeting.

The development and prospects of high-resolution melting analysis / 中华检验医学杂志

High-resolution melting analysis ( HRMA/HRM ), a simple, rapid, flexible, inexpensive closed tube approach with high sensitivity and specificity has been one of the most widely used molecular diagnostic techniques in clinicalas well as in research settings .Recently, rapid development ofinstruments , DNA dyes and analysis software significantly enhance the sensitivity , specificity and accuracy of HRM,providing a fast, efficient and economic molecular diagnostic platform for molecular diagnosis of inherited disease , molecular profiling and target therapy of cancer , identification of pathogen , as well as individualized medicine.

NIRF Heptamethine Cyanine Dye Nanocomplexes for Multi Modal Theranosis of Tumors / 전남의대학술지

Heptamethine cyanine dyes are categorized as a class of near infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dyes which have been discovered to have tumor targeting and accumulation capability. This unique feature of NIRF dye makes it a promising candidate for imaging, targeted therapy and also as a drug delivery vehicle for various types of cancers. The favored uptake of dyes only in cancer cells is facilitated by several factors which include organic anion-transporting polypeptides, high mitochondrial membrane potential and tumor hypoxia in cancer cells. Currently nanotechnology has opened possibilities for multimodal or multifunctional strategies for cancer treatment. Including heptamethine cyanine dyes in nanoparticle based delivery systems have generally improved its theranostic ability by several fold owing to the multiple functionalities and structural features of heptamethine dyes. For this reason, nanocomplexes with NIRF heptamethine cyanine dye probe are preferred over non-targeting dyes such as indo cyanine green (ICG). This review sums up current trends and progress in NIRF heptamethine cyanine dye, including dye properties, multifunctional imaging and therapeutic applications in cancer.

Structure-Inherent Targeting of Near-Infrared Fluorophores for Image-Guided Surgery / 전남의대학술지

Although various clinical imaging modalities have been developed to visualize internal body structures and detect abnormal tissues prior to surgical procedures, most medical imaging modalities do not provide disease-specific images in real-time. Optical imaging can provide the surgeon with real-time visualization of the surgical field for intraoperative image-guided surgery. Imaging in the near-infrared (NIR) window (650-900 nm), also known as the “therapeutic window” has high potential by offering low absorbance and scattering in tissues resulting in minimized background autofluorescence. Clinically, optical fluorescence imaging with the targeted contrast agents provides opportunities for significant advances in intraoperative image-guided surgery. There are only two clinically available NIR fluorophores, indocyanine green (ICG) and methylene blue (MB), that support the image-guided surgery. However, neither of them perform in vivo by providing optimum specificity and stability for targeted image guidance. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop targeted NIR fluorophores for unmet clinical needs. Using the right combination of an NIR fluorescence imaging system and a targeted fluorophore, the desired target tissues can be imaged to provide real-time fluorescence guidance without changing the field-of-view during surgery. Thus, in a clinical discipline, the development of NIR fluorophores for ‘structure-inherent targeting’ is an unmet need for early phase diagnostics with accurate targeting.

Water interaction and bond strength to dentin of dye-labelled adhesive as a function of the addition of rhodamine B

ABSTRACT Objective This study investigated the effect of the fluorescent dye rhodamine B (RB) for interfacial micromorphology analysis of dental composite restorations on water sorption/solubility (WS/WSL) and microtensile bond strength to dentin (µTBS) of a 3-step total etch and a 2-step self-etch adhesive system. Material and Methods The adhesives Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (MP) and Clearfil SE Bond (SE) were mixed with 0.1 mg/mL of RB. For the WS/WSL tests, cured resin disks (5.0 mm in diameter x 0.8 mm thick) were prepared and assigned into four groups (n=10): MP, MP-RB, SE, and SE-RB. For µTBS assessment, extracted human third molars (n=40) had the flat occlusal dentin prepared and assigned into the same experimental groups (n=10). After the bonding and restoration procedures, specimens were sectioned in rectangular beams, stored in water and tested after seven days or after 12 months. The failure mode of fractured specimens was qualitatively evaluated under optical microscope (x40). Data from WS/WSL and µTBS were assessed by one-way and three-way ANOVA, respectively, and Tukey’s test (α=5%). Results RB increased the WSL of MP and SE. On the other hand, WS of both MP and SE was not affected by the addition of RB. No significance in µTBS between MP and MP-RB for seven days or one year was observed, whereas for SE a decrease in the µTBS means occurred in both storage times. Conclusions RB should be incorporated into non-simplified DBSs with caution, as it can interfere with their physical-mechanical properties, leading to a possible misinterpretation of bonded interface.

Facial nerve identification with fluorescent dye in rats

PURPOSE The parotidectomy technique still has an elevated paresis and paralysis index, lowering patient life's quality. The correct identification of the facial nerve can prevent nerve damage. Fluorescent dye identifies nerves in experimental studies but only few articles focused its use on facial nerve study in parotidectomies. We aimed to stain the rat facial nerve with fluorescent dye to facilitate visualization and dissection in order to prevent injuries. METHODS Forty adult male Wistar rats were submitted to facial injection of saline solution (Gsf-control group, 10) or fluorescent dye solution (Gdye group, 30) followed by parotidectomy preserving the facial nerve, measuring the time for localization and facility of localization (LocTime and LFN). Nerve function was assessed using the Vibrissae Movements (PMV) and Eyelid Closure Motion (PFP) scores. RESULTS Nerve localization was faster in Gdye group, with 83% Easy LFN rate. The Gdye group presented with low nerve injury degree and better PMV and PFP scores, with high sensitivity and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS This experimental method of facial nerve fluorescence was effective for intraoperative nerve visualization, identification and preservation. The technique may be used in future facial nerve studies, translated to humans, contributing to the optimization of parotid surgery in the near future.

Diseño de un panel multicolor para evaluar moléculas intracelulares y de superficie mediante citometría de flujo / Design of a multicolor panel to assess intracellular and surface molecules by flow cytometry

Introducción. La citometría de flujo permite detectar la presencia de moléculas intracelulares y de superficie, de forma simultánea sobre cada célula. Objetivo. Describir un método para la construcción armónica de un panel multicolor con 11 parámetros para el análisis fenotípico y funcional de linfocitos T (LT) CD8 + por citometría de flujo. Materiales y métodos. Para la construcción del panel multicolor, se seleccionaron las moléculas y se titularon los conjugados con fluorocromos para la determinación de CD3, CD8, CCR7, CD28, CD27, CD45RA, CD95 y CD127, en células mononucleares de sangre periférica. Para la evaluación del panel, se hizo la construcción progresiva adicionando uno a uno los conjugados y la fluorescencia menos uno (FMO). Este método fue aplicado para células ex vivo y para evaluar la producción de IFN ? , IL-2 y TNFa frente al estímulo con la enterotoxina B de Staphylococcus aureus (SEB) y al antígeno crudo de Trypanosoma cruzi . Finalmente, se procedió al análisis de las subpoblaciones de LT CD8 + ex vivo en individuos sanos. Resultados. La evaluación de las moléculas con los conjugados no mostró interferencia en las señales de fluorescencia. Las frecuencias de las subpoblaciones de LT CD8 + evaluadas fueron cercanas a los valores reportados en otros estudios. Además, se observó que la frecuencia de LT CD8 + productores de IFN ? , IL-2 y TNFa fue mayor a las seis horas de cultivo con SEB y con el antígeno crudo de T. cruzi . Conclusiones. El método aplicado para la construcción del panel multicolor permite obtener frecuencias de las subpoblaciones de LT CD8 + que corresponden a lo reportado en la literatura científica.

Introduction: Flow cytometry allows simultaneous detection of surface and intracellular molecules on each cell. Objective: To describe a method for building up a harmonic multicolor panel with 11 flow cytometry parameters for phenotypic and functional analysis on CD8 + T lymphocytes. Materials and methods: For the multicolor panel construction, we selected the molecules and titred conjugated antibodies with fluorochromes for CD3, CD8, CCR7, CD28, CD27, CD45RA, CD95 and CD127 determination in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). To evaluate the panel, the conjugated antibodies were gradually added one by one and fluorescence minus one (FMO) test was performed. This method was applied to assess ex vivo subpopulations of T cells and the production of intracellular IFN ? , IL-2 and TNF a using polyclonal stimulation with enterotoxin B from Staphylococcus aureus (SEB) and antigen-specific cells with crude Trypanosoma cruzi antigen. Finally, the ex vivo CD8 + T lymphocyte subpopulations frequencies were analyzed in healthy individuals. Results: The evaluation of the selected molecules and conjugates did not show interference in the fluorescence signals and detection. The frequencies of CD8 + T cells evaluated were similar to the values reported in other studies. Additionally, we observed that the frequency of CD8 + T lymphocytes producing IFN ? , IL-2 and TNF a was higher 6 hours after culture with SEB and crude T. cruzi lysate. Conclusions: The method used for the construction of a multicolor panel allows obtaining frequencies of CD8 + T lymphocyte subpopulations corresponding to those reported in the literature.

Multiparameter Flow Cytometry: Advances in High Resolution Analysis

Over the past 40 years, flow cytometry has emerged as a leading, application-rich technology that supports high-resolution characterization of individual cells which function in complex cellular networks such as the immune system. This brief overview highlights advances in multiparameter flow cytometric technologies and reagent applications for characterization and functional analysis of cells modulating the immune network. These advances significantly support high-throughput and high-content analyses and enable an integrated understanding of the cellular and molecular interactions that underlie complex biological systems.

Estudo da regeneração de nervos tibiais de ratos Wistar em sutura primária com "gap" e sem "gap", cobertos por segmentos de veia / Study of tibial nerve regenration in Wistar rats in primary neurorrhaphy with and without gap, wrapped in vein segments

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo comparou, em ratos da raça Wistar, a regeneração nervosa nas suturas epineurais com espaçamento de 1,0mm (com "gap") e sem espaçamento (sem "gap"), ambos cobertos com tubo de veia jugular externa, através da contagem de motoneurônios no nível da medula espinhal entre L3 e S1, marcados por meio de exposição do nervo tibial ao Fluoro - Goldâ (FG). MÉTODO: Os nervos tibias de ambos os lados foram seccionados e foram realizadas suturas epineurais com "gap" e, no lado contralateral, sem "gap" sendo que as suturas foram cobertas com tubo de veia. Após quatro meses do procedimento cirúrgico, os nervos tibias foram expostos ao FG, perfundidos e realizada a contagem dos motoneurônios na medula espinhal. RESULTADOS: Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o teste de Wilcoxon pareado, onde obtivemos um resultado estatisticamente significante entre o número de motoneurônios do grupo com "gap" em relação ao sem "gap" (p= 0,013). CONCLUSÃO: Obtivemos melhores resultados na contagem de motoneurônios daqueles nervos onde haviam sido realizadas as suturas primárias sem "gap", quando comparados com as suturas com "gap". Nível de Evidência: Estudo Experimental.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared nerve regeneration in Wistar rats, using epineural neurorrhaphy with a gap of 1.0 mm and without a gap, both wrapped with jugular vein tubes. Motor neurons in the spinal cord between L3 and S1 were used for the count, marked by exposure of the tibial nerve to Fluoro-Gold (FG). METHOD: The tibial nerves on both sides were cut and sutured, with a gap on one side and no gap in the other. The sutures were wrapped with a jugular vein. Four months after surgery the tibial nerves were exposed to Fluoro-Gold and the motor neuron count performed in the spinal cord. RESULTS: The results were statistically analyzed by the paired Wilcoxon test. There was a statistical difference between the groups with and without gap in relation to the motor neuron count (p=0.013). CONCLUSION: The epineural neurorraphy without gap wrapped with jugular vein showed better results for nerve regeneration than the same procedure with gap. Level of Evidence: Experimental Study.

Bone regeneration in surgically created defects filled with autogenous bone: an epifluorescence microscopy analysis in rats

Although the search for the ideal bone substitute has been the focus of a large number of studies, autogenous bone is still the gold standard for the filling of defects caused by pathologies and traumas, and mainly, for alveolar ridge reconstruction, allowing the titanium implants installation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of autogenous bone graft incorporation process to surgically created defects in rat calvaria, using epifluorescence microscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five adult male rats weighing 200-300 g were used. The animals received two 5-mm-diameter bone defects bilaterally in each parietal bone with a trephine bur under general anesthesia. Two groups of defects were formed: a control group (n=5), in which the defects were filled with blood clot, and a graft group (n=5), in which the defects were filled with autogenous bone block, removed from the contralateral defect. The fluorochromes calcein and alizarin were applied at the 7th and 30th postoperative days, respectively. The animals were killed at 35 days. RESULTS: The mineralization process was more intense in the graft group (32.09 percent) and occurred mainly between 7 and 30 days, the period labeled by calcein (24.66 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The fluorochromes showed to be appropriate to label mineralization areas. The interfacial areas between fluorochrome labels are important sources of information about the bone regeneration dynamics.