Activated neutrophil fluorescent imaging technique for human lungs

This study examined the feasibility of a newly developed and bespoke molecular imaging probe designed to identify in vitro and ex vivo neutrophil activation. The probe was used to evaluate optical endomicroscopy imaging of neutrophil activity in real-time at the bedside of healthy volunteers, patients with bronchiectasis, and critically unwell mechanically ventilated patients. As part of the study, human safety monitoring was undertaken; this included measurement of lung function in healthy volunteers (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio) using the Vitalograph Alpha spirometer.