Micro-CT imaging is a well-established morphological method for the visualization of animal models. We used ethanol fixation of the mouse brains to perform high-resolution micro-CT scans showing in great details brain grey and white matters. It was possible to identify more than 50 neuroanatomical structures on the 5 selected coronal sections. Among white matter structures, we identified fornix, medial lemniscus, crossed tectospinal pathway, mammillothalamic tract, and the sensory root of the trigeminal ganglion. Among grey matter structures, we identified basal nuclei, habenular complex, thalamic nuclei, amygdala, subparts of hippocampal formation, superior colliculi, Edinger-Westphal nucleus, and others. We suggest that micro-CT of the mouse brain could be used for neurohistological lesions evaluation as an alternative to classical neurohistology because it does not destroy brain tissue.

• MeSH
• ethanol chemie   MeSH
• fixace tkání * MeSH
• mozek diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• rentgenová mikrotomografie * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

PURPOSE: The soft tissue imaging in micro-CT remains challenging due to its low intrinsic contrast. The aim of this study was to create a simple staining method omitting the usage of contrast agents for ex vivo soft tissue imaging in micro-CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hearts and lungs from 30 mice were used. Twenty-seven organs were either fixed in 97% or 50% ethanol solution or in a series of ascending ethanol concentrations. Images were acquired after 72, 168 and 336 h on a custom-built micro-CT machine and compared to scans of three native samples. RESULTS: Ethanol provided contrast enhancement in all evaluated fixations. Fixation in 97% ethanol resulted in contrast enhancement after 72 h; however, it caused hardening of the samples. Fixation in 50% ethanol provided contrast enhancement after 336 h, with milder hardening, compared to the 97% ethanol fixation, but the visualization of details was worse. The fixation in a series of ascending ethanol concentrations provided the most satisfactory results; all organs were visualized in great detail without tissue damage. CONCLUSIONS: Simple ethanol fixation improves the tissue contrast enhancement in micro-CT. The best results can be obtained with fixation of the soft tissue samples in a series of ascending ethanol concentrations.

• MeSH
• ethanol * MeSH
• kontrastní látky * MeSH
• modely u zvířat MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši MeSH
• plíce anatomie a histologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• rentgenová mikrotomografie metody   MeSH
• srdce anatomie a histologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• vylepšení obrazu metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The purpose of the study was to discover a way to study the internal structure and evolution of human embryos noninvasively. The human embryo was stained with phosphotungstic acid solution (PTA) in ethanol (EPTA) and scanned using a micro computed tomography (micro-CT) scanner. Using appropriate software, a three-dimensional image of the embryo was created, which could be further exploited. The methodology described could be used for the non-destructive examination of the internal structure of the human embryo, and the resulting data can be used as a resource for medical students, gynaecologists, and paediatricians.

• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• plod diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• rentgenová mikrotomografie metody   MeSH
• zobrazování trojrozměrné * metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Using dedicated contrast agents high-quality X-ray imaging of soft tissue structures with isotropic micrometre resolution has become feasible. This technique is frequently titled as virtual histology as it allows production of slices of tissue without destroying the sample. The use of contrast agents is, however, often an irreversible time-consuming procedure and despite the non-destructive principle of X-ray imaging, the sample is usually no longer usable for other research methods. In this work we present the application of recently developed large-area photon counting detector for high resolution X-ray micro-radiography and micro-tomography of whole ex-vivo ethanol-preserved mouse organs. The photon counting detectors provide dark-current-free quantum-counting operation enabling acquisition of data with virtually unlimited contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Thanks to the very high CNR even ethanol-only preserved soft-tissue samples without addition of any contrast agent can be visualized in great detail. As ethanol preservation is one of the standard steps of tissue fixation for histology, the presented method can open a way for widespread use of micro-CT with all its advantages for routine 3D non-destructive soft-tissue visualisation.

• MeSH
• ethanol chemie   MeSH
• fotony * MeSH
• ledviny diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši MeSH
• plíce diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• rentgenová mikrotomografie přístrojové vybavení   metody   MeSH
• srdce diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Characterization of brain infarct lesions in rodent models of stroke is crucial to assess stroke pathophysiology and therapy outcome. Until recently, the analysis of brain lesions was performed using two techniques: (1) histological methods, such as TTC (Triphenyltetrazolium chloride), a time-consuming and inaccurate process; or (2) MRI imaging, a faster, 3D imaging method, that comes at a high cost. In the last decade, high-resolution micro-CT for 3D sample analysis turned into a simple, fast, and cheaper solution. Here, we successfully describe the application of brain contrasting agents (Osmium tetroxide and inorganic iodine) for high-resolution micro-CT imaging for fine location and quantification of ischemic lesion and edema in mouse preclinical stroke models. We used the intraluminal transient MCAO (Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion) mouse stroke model to identify and quantify ischemic lesion and edema, and segment core and penumbra regions at different time points after ischemia, by manual and automatic methods. In the transient-ischemic-attack (TIA) mouse model, we can quantify striatal myelinated fibers degeneration. Of note, whole brain 3D reconstructions allow brain atlas co-registration, to identify the affected brain areas, and correlate them with functional impairment. This methodology proves to be a breakthrough in the field, by providing a precise and detailed assessment of stroke outcomes in preclinical animal studies.

• MeSH
• cévní mozková příhoda * diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• infarkt arteria cerebri media diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• jod * MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• myši MeSH
• oxid osmičelý MeSH
• rentgenová mikrotomografie MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

We performed micro-CT imaging of the vascular blood supply in the interscapular area of the brown adipose tissue in three mice with the use of intravascular contrast agent Aurovist™. Resulting 3D data rendering was then adapted into 2D resolution with visualization using false color system and grayscale images. These were then studied for the automatic quantification of the blood vessel density within this area. We found the highest most occurring density within arterioles or venules representing smaller blood vessels whereas with the increase of the vessel diameters a lower percentage rate of their presence was observed in the sample. Our study shows that micro-CT scanning in combination with Aurovist™ contrast is suitable for anatomical studies of interscapular area of brown adipose tissue blood vessel supply.

• MeSH
• cévy anatomie a histologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• hnědá tuková tkáň anatomie a histologie   krevní zásobení   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši MeSH
• rentgenová mikrotomografie MeSH
• venuly anatomie a histologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• zobrazování trojrozměrné MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is an exceptional imaging modality which is limited in visualizing soft biological tissues that need pre-examination contrasting steps, which can cause serious deformation to sizeable specimens like engorged ticks. The aim of this study was to develop a new technique to bypass these limitations and allow the imaging of fed ticks in their natural state. To accomplish this, adult Ixodes ricinus females were allowed to engorge in vitro on blood supplemented with PEGylated gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs). In total, 73/120 females divided into 6 groups engorged on blood enriched with 0.07-2.16 mg PEG-AuNPs per ml of blood. No toxic effect was observed for any of the tested groups compared to the control group, in which 12/20 females engorged on clear blood. The ticks were scanned on a Bruker micro-CT SkyScan 1276. The mean radiodensity of the examined ticks exceeded 0 Hounsfield Units only in the case of the two groups with the highest concentration. The best contrast was observed in ticks engorged on blood with the highest tested concentration of 2.16 mg/mL PEG-AuNPs. In these ticks, the midgut and rectal sac were clearly visible. Also, the midgut lumen volume was computed from segmented image data. The reduction in midgut volume was documented during the egg development process. According to this pilot study, micro-CT of ticks engorged on blood supplemented with contrasting agents in vitro may reveal additional information regarding the engorged ticks' anatomy.

• MeSH
• klíště * MeSH
• kovové nanočástice * MeSH
• krev MeSH
• rentgenová mikrotomografie metody   MeSH
• stravovací zvyklosti MeSH
• zlato * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Curettage is the removal of a tumor from the bone while preserving the surrounding healthy cortical bone, and is associated with higher rates of local recurrence. To lower these rates, curettage should be combined with local adjuvants, although their use is associated with damage to nearby healthy bone. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this analysis is to determine the effect of local adjuvants on cortical porcine bone by using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) along with histological and mechanical examination. METHODS: Local adjuvants were applied to porcine specimens under defined conditions. To assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD), a micro-CT scan was used. The pixel gray values of the volume of interest (VOI) were evaluated per specimen and converted to BMD values. The Vickers hardness test was employed to assess bone hardness (HV). The depth of necrosis was measured histologically using hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue sections. RESULTS: A noticeable change in BMD was observed on the argon beam coagulation (ABC) sample. Comparable hardness values were measured on samples following electrocautery and ABC, and lowering of bone hardness was obtained in the case of liquid nitrogen. Extensive induced depth of necrosis was registered in the specimen treated with liquid nitrogen. CONCLUSION: This study determined the effect of local adjuvants on cortical bone by using micro-CT along with histological and mechanical examination. Phenolization and liquid nitrogen application caused a decrease in bone hardness. The bone density was affected in the range of single-digit percentage values. Liquid nitrogen induced extensive depth of necrosis with a wide variance of values.

• MeSH
• kortikální kost * patologie   diagnostické zobrazování   chirurgie   účinky léků   MeSH
• kostní denzita * účinky léků   MeSH
• kyretáž * metody   MeSH
• nádory kostí * chirurgie   patologie   MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• rentgenová mikrotomografie * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The aim of this study was to compare data on the volume fraction of bone and the thickness of the cortical compact bone acquired during microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) analysis with data acquired from identical samples using stereological analysis of either decalcified paraffin sections or ground sections. Additionally, we aimed to compare adjacent tissue samples taken from the major trochanter of the porcine femur to map the basic biological variability of trabecular bone. Fifteen pairs of adjacent tissue blocks were removed from the major trochanter of the proximal epiphyses of porcine femurs (female pigs aged 24-39 months, weight=59.16±8.15kg). In each sample, the volume of the cortical compact bone, the volume of the trabecular bone, and the thickness of the cortical compact bone was assessed using micro-CT. Afterwards, half of the samples were decalcified and processed using paraffin histological sections. Another half was processed into ground sections. The volume and thickness of bone was assessed in histological sections using stereological techniques. There were no significant differences in the bone volumes and thicknesses measured by micro-CT and the corresponding values quantified in decalcified sections. Similarly, there were no differences between the results from micro-CT and the analysis of the corresponding ground sections. Histomorphometric studies based on relatively low numbers of undecalcified ground sections or demineralized paraffin sections of bone yield data on bone volume and the thickness of cortical compact bone that is comparable with three-dimensional micro-CT examination. The pilot data on the variability of cortical compact bone and trabecular bone volumes in the porcine major trochanter provided in this study aim for planning experiments in the field of bone healing and implantology.

• MeSH
• anatomie průřezová MeSH
• dekalcifikace (technika) MeSH
• femur anatomie a histologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• fixace tkání metody   MeSH
• kosti a kostní tkáň anatomie a histologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• rentgenová mikrotomografie MeSH
• Sus scrofa MeSH
• zalévání tkání do parafínu metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

OBJECTIVES: This article summarized errors obtained by diverse techniques used for the derivation of cross-sectional contours in nonadult humeri and tibiae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional contours in a total sample of 62 humeral and 75 tibial diaphyses in the age between birth and 12 years divided into three age groups. Long bone 35% (humeri) and midshaft (tibiae) cross-sections were taken on micro-CT images and analyzed by EPJMacro in FIJI. Properties were extracted from contours derived by manual, automatic, spline, and ellipse techniques. Agreement between techniques was assessed using manually extracted properties such as the true value using percent prediction error (%PE), reduced major axis regression, and ±95% limits of agreement. RESULTS: The lowest measurement errors were obtained for total areas, moderate errors for cortical areas and section moduli, and the highest errors for medullary areas for both bones. Derivation of humeral nonadult cross-sectional properties is less sensitive to the technique used for derivation of periosteal and endosteal contours, reaching mean %PEs below 5%. In contrast, tibial nonadult cross-sectional properties are more sensitive to the technique used and exceed 5% for some combinations. DISCUSSION: Automatic techniques provide reasonably high agreement with manually extracted contours for nonadult humeri but low agreement for tibiae. Semiautomatic approaches-spline and ellipse techniques-may reduce the error for all studied properties in tibiae, especially when combined with manually traced periosteal contours. The positive effect of the semiautomatic technique on measurement error is low for humeri.

• MeSH
• anatomie průřezová MeSH
• antropologie fyzická MeSH
• antropometrie MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• humerus * anatomie a histologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• okostice * anatomie a histologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• rentgenová mikrotomografie MeSH
• reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
• statistické modely MeSH
• tibie * anatomie a histologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH