Differences in near-infrared fluorescence imaging and histological analysis of cheek mucosa in golden hamsters with different pathological states.

Objectives: To explore and analyze the feasibility of using indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence (NIF) imaging technology for the early diagnosis of oral potential malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods: 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in acetone solution was used to induce various pathological models of buccal mucosal lesions (mild/moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia, squamous cell carcinoma) in golden hamster. ICG-NIF was conducted for the quantitative analysis of the fluorescence signal of lesion tissue, and evaluation of the diagnostic and discriminative capabilities of the ICG-NIF technology for mucosal lesions in various pathological states. Immunohistochemical staining was perform to examine the microvessel density (MVD) and microlymphatic vessel density (MLVD) of mucosa in various pathological states and explore the histological reasons underlying the differences in fluorescence signals.

Results: The results of ICG-NIF fluorescence quantitative analysis reveal the higher fluorescence intensity of mucosal lesions in the experimental group compared with that of the normal mucosa on the control side, with statistical differences (P<0.05). Moreover, the more severe the malignancy of mucosal lesions in the experimental group, the higher the fluorescence intensity. According to histopathological analysis, the malignant progression of mucosal lesions in golden hamsters was accompanied with an increase in MVD (P<0.05) and a decrease in MLVD (P<0.05).

Conclusions: The abnormal proliferation of mucosal lesions in golden hamsters exhibits a difference in ICG-NIF fluorescence signal compared with normal mucosal tissue. Fluorescence quantitative analysis methods can provide assistance in differentiation and show potential for clinical applications.