Whole-Mount Imaging Demonstrates Hypervascularity of the Pancreatic Ducts and Other Pancreatic Structures

Confocal microscopy in combination with commercial software is frequently used to generate three-dimensional images of tissue architecture. Here we report a novel, whole-mount imaging protocol technique that allows detailed three-dimensional imaging of adult pancreatic structures. This technique provides an improved appreciation of the anatomical detail of pancreatic structures and of the relationship between the pancreatic ducts and islets. In addition, imaging of the pancreatic ducts revealed a previously unappreciated high degree of hypervascularity. Anat Rec, 2012. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.