Optimization and use of near infrared imaging to guide lymph node collection in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

Background: Identification of lymph nodes (LNs) draining a specific site or in obese macaques can be challenging.

Methods: Indocyanine Green (ICG) was administered intradermal (ID), intramuscular, in the oral mucosa, or subserosal in the colon followed by Near Infrared (NIR) imaging.

Results: After optimization to maximize LN identification, intradermal ICG was successful in identifying 50-100% of the axillary/inguinal LN at a site.