Physics in Canada / La Physique au Canada - 2009 (65.3)
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Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy Reveals Contraction Dynamics in Muscle Cells

Journal Issue
Physics in Canada / La Physique au Canada - 2009 (65.3)
Author(s)
Nicole Prent
Catherine Greenhalgh
Richard Cisek
Arkady Major
Jürg Aus der Au
Steven Elmore
Johannes H.G.M. van Beek
Bryan Stewart
Jeffrey A. Squier
Virginijus Barzda
Institution
University of Toronto
University of Toronto
University of Toronto
University of Toronto
Colorado School of Mines
Vrije Universiteit, Netherlands
Vrije Universiteit, Netherlands
University of Toronto
Colorado School of Mines
University of Toronto
PDF
application/pdf iconjuly09-offprint-prent.pdf

Second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy favourably lends itself to investigations of striated myocyte contraction dynamics. Sarcomeres, the fundamental contractile units, are shown to exhibit rich length dynamics and SHG intensity fluctuations that have previously not been realized. A positive correlation between sarcomere length and SHG intensity provides the grounds for in vivo contractility monitoring without actual measurement of sarcomere length.

Nicole Prent received 1st prize in the 2009 CAP Best Student Oral Presentation Competition

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