Direct visualization of functional heterogeneity in hepatobiliary metabolism

Hepatycotes in the liver may appear similar in morphology, however, heterogeneities may exist in cellular metabolism. In this study, in vivo imaging of 6-carboxfluorescein diacetate (6-CFDA) metabolism in the liver was studied. We used two-photon fluorescence microscopy and hepatic window to provide quantification in studying hepatocellular metabolism. This model not only provides a potential platform for future study in hepatic responses and regulations, but also contributes to the fine-tuning of organ-specific functions so as to open up a new era of exciting discoveries.