1
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Denis L, Bodard S, Hingot V, Chavignon A, Battaglia J, Renault G, Lager F, Aissani A, Hélénon O, Correas JM, Couture O. Sensing ultrasound localization microscopy for the visualization of glomeruli in living rats and humans. EBioMedicine 2023; 91:104578. [PMID: 37086650 PMCID: PMC10149190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimation of glomerular function is necessary to diagnose kidney diseases. However, the study of glomeruli in the clinic is currently done indirectly through urine and blood tests. A recent imaging technique called Ultrasound Localization Microscopy (ULM) has appeared. It is based on the ability to record continuous movements of individual microbubbles in the bloodstream. Although ULM improved the resolution of vascular imaging up to tenfold, the imaging of the smallest vessels had yet to be reported. METHODS We acquired ultrasound sequences from living humans and rats and then applied filters to divide the data set into slow-moving and fast-moving microbubbles. We performed a double tracking to highlight and characterize populations of microbubbles with singular behaviors. We decided to call this technique "sensing ULM" (sULM). We used post-mortem micro-CT for side-by-side confirmation in rats. FINDINGS In this study, we report the observation of microbubbles flowing in the glomeruli in living humans and rats. We present a set of analysis tools to extract quantitative information from individual microbubbles, such as remanence time or normalized distance. INTERPRETATION As glomeruli play a key role in kidney function, it would be possible that their observation yields a deeper understanding of the kidney. It could also be a tool to diagnose kidney diseases in patients. More generally, it will bring imaging capabilities closer to the functional units of organs, which is a key to understand most diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, or kidney failures. FUNDING This study was funded by the European Research Council under the European Union Horizon H2020 program (ERC Consolidator grant agreement No 772786-ResolveStroke).
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Denis
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France.
| | - Sylvain Bodard
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France; AP-HP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Service d'Imagerie Adulte, F-75015, Paris, France; Université de Paris Cité, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Hingot
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Arthur Chavignon
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Battaglia
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Renault
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Franck Lager
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Abderrahmane Aissani
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Hélénon
- AP-HP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Service d'Imagerie Adulte, F-75015, Paris, France; Université de Paris Cité, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Michel Correas
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France; AP-HP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Service d'Imagerie Adulte, F-75015, Paris, France; Université de Paris Cité, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Couture
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France
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2
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Nurrachman AS, Azhari A, Epsilawati L, Pramanik F. Temporal Pattern of micro-CT Angiography Vascular Parameters and VEGF mRNA Expression in Fracture Healing: a Radiograph and Molecular Comparison. Eur J Dent 2023. [PMID: 36716788 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1757466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays an important role in fracture healing with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as the main protein involved. Micro-computed tomography (CT) angiography may be used to analyze this revascularization with several parameters such as number of branches, total volume, and diameter. This systematic review is aimed to assess available studies on the temporal pattern of vascular imaging on micro-CT angiographs, especially in terms of the number of branches, total volume, and diameter as well as the temporal pattern of VEGF mRNA expression as the molecular comparison during bone fracture healing. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic database searches were performed using PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, Taylor & Francis Online, and hand searching. The search strategy and keywords were adjusted to each database using the Boolean operators and other available limit functions to identify most relevant articles based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Screening and filtration were done in several stages by removing the duplicates and analyzing each title, abstract, and full-text in all included entries. Data extraction was done for syntheses to summarize the temporal pattern of each parameter. A total of 28 articles were eligible and met all criteria, 11 articles were synthesized in its angiograph's analysis, 16 articles were synthesized in its VEGF mRNA expression analysis, and 1 article had both parameters analyzed. The overall temporal pattern of both three micro-CT angiographic parameters and VEGF mRNA expression was in line qualitatively. The number of branches, total volume, and diameter of the blood vessels in micro-CT angiography showed an exponential rise at week 2 and decline at week 3 of fracture healing, with the VEGF mRNA expression concurrently showing a consistent pattern in the phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aga Satria Nurrachman
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Azhari Azhari
- Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Lusi Epsilawati
- Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Farina Pramanik
- Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
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3
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Warr R, Handschuh S, Glösmann M, Cernik RJ, Withers PJ. Quantifying multiple stain distributions in bioimaging by hyperspectral X-ray tomography. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21945. [PMID: 36535963 PMCID: PMC9763266 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23592-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical staining of biological specimens is commonly utilised to boost contrast in soft tissue structures, but unambiguous identification of staining location and distribution is difficult without confirmation of the elemental signature, especially for chemicals of similar density contrast. Hyperspectral X-ray computed tomography (XCT) enables the non-destructive identification, segmentation and mapping of elemental composition within a sample. With the availability of hundreds of narrow, high resolution (~ 1 keV) energy channels, the technique allows the simultaneous detection of multiple contrast agents across different tissue structures. Here we describe a hyperspectral imaging routine for distinguishing multiple chemical agents, regardless of contrast similarity. Using a set of elemental calibration phantoms, we perform a first instance of direct stain concentration measurement using spectral absorption edge markers. Applied to a set of double- and triple-stained biological specimens, the study analyses the extent of stain overlap and uptake regions for commonly used contrast markers. An improved understanding of stain concentration as a function of position, and the interaction between multiple stains, would help inform future studies on multi-staining procedures, as well as enable future exploration of heavy metal uptake across medical, agricultural and ecological fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Warr
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Henry Royce Institute, Department of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - Stephan Handschuh
- grid.6583.80000 0000 9686 6466VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Glösmann
- grid.6583.80000 0000 9686 6466VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert J. Cernik
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Henry Royce Institute, Department of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - Philip J. Withers
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Henry Royce Institute, Department of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
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4
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Guo Z, Li C, Cao Y, Jiang L, Zhang Y, Li P, Zhou Y, Duan C, Hu J, Lu H. 3D visualization and morphometric analysis of spinal motion segments and vascular networks: A synchrotron radiation-based micro-CT study in mice. J Anat 2022; 240:268-278. [PMID: 34622448 PMCID: PMC8742973 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The structure of spinal motion segments and spinal vasculature is complicated. Visualizing the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the spine may provide guidance for spine surgery. However, conventional imaging techniques fail to simultaneously obtain 3D images of soft and hard tissues, and achieving such coimaging states of the spine and its vascular networks remains a challenge. Synchrotron radiation micro-CT (SRμCT) provides a relatively effective and novel method of acquiring detailed 3D information. In this study, specimens of the thoracic spine were obtained from six mice. SRμCT was employed to acquire 3D images of the structure, and histologic staining was performed for comparisons with the SRμCT images. The whole spinal motion segments and the spinal vascular network were simultaneously explored at high resolution. The mean thickness of the cartilaginous end plates (CEPs) and the volume of the intervertebral discs (IVDs) were calculated. The surface of the CEPs and the facet joint cartilage (FJC) were presented as heat maps, which allowed for direct visualization of the thickness distribution. Regional division revealed heterogeneity among the ventral, central, and dorsal parts of the CEPs and between the superior and inferior parts of the facet processes. Moreover, the connections and spatial morphology of the spinal vascular network were visualized. Our study indicates that SRμCT imaging is an ideal method for high-resolution visualization and 3D morphometric analysis of the whole spinal motion segments and spinal vascular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Guo
- Department of Spine Surgery and OrthopaedicsXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Spine Surgery Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Chengjun Li
- Department of Spine Surgery and OrthopaedicsXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan ProvinceChangshaChina
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery and OrthopaedicsXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan ProvinceChangshaChina
| | - Liyuan Jiang
- Department of Spine Surgery and OrthopaedicsXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan ProvinceChangshaChina
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Sports MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
- Traumatic Orthopaedic Institute of Shandong ProvinceAffiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Ping Li
- Department of ObstetricsXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Yongchun Zhou
- Department of OrthopedicShanxi Provincial People’s HospitalXi’anChina
| | - Chunyue Duan
- Department of Spine Surgery and OrthopaedicsXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Jianzhong Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery and OrthopaedicsXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan ProvinceChangshaChina
| | - Hongbin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan ProvinceChangshaChina
- Department of Sports MedicineResearch Centre of Sports MedicineXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
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5
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Dos Santos M, Demarquay C, Ermeneux L, Aberkane F, Bléry P, Weiss P, Milliat F, Mathieu N. Refining the mandibular osteoradionecrosis rat model by in vivo longitudinal µCT analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22241. [PMID: 34782666 PMCID: PMC8594779 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01229-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is one of the most feared side effects of radiotherapy following cancers of the upper aero-digestive tract and leading to severe functional defects in patients. Today, our lack of knowledge about the physiopathology restricts the development of new treatments. In this study, we refined the ORN rat model and quantitatively studied the progression of the disease. We tested the impact of radiation doses from 20 to 40 Gy, delivered with incident 4MV X-ray beams on the left mandible of the inbred Lewis Rat. We used micro-computed tomography (µCT) to obtain in vivo images for longitudinal bone imaging and ex vivo images after animal perfusion with barium sulphate contrast agent for vessel imaging. We compared quantification methods by analyzing 3D images and 2D measurements to determine the most appropriate and precise method according to the degree of damage. We defined 25 Gy as the minimum irradiation dose combined with the median molar extraction necessary to develop non-regenerative bone necrosis. µCT image analyses were correlated with clinical and histological analyses. This refined model and accurate methods for bone and vessel quantification will improve our knowledge of the progression of ORN pathology and allow us to test the efficacy of new regenerative medicine procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Dos Santos
- Human Health Department, IRSN, Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety, PSE-SANTE, SERAMED, LRMed, 92 262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,IRSN, Institute of Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety, Human Health Department, PSE-SANTE, SERAMED, LRAcc, 92 262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Christelle Demarquay
- Human Health Department, IRSN, Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety, PSE-SANTE, SERAMED, LRMed, 92 262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Louis Ermeneux
- Human Health Department, IRSN, Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety, PSE-SANTE, SERAMED, LRMed, 92 262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Fazia Aberkane
- Human Health Department, IRSN, Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety, PSE-SANTE, SERAMED, LRMed, 92 262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pauline Bléry
- CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, Université de Nantes, Oniris, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Pierre Weiss
- CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, Université de Nantes, Oniris, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Fabien Milliat
- Human Health Department, IRSN, Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety, PSE-SANTE, SERAMED, LRMed, 92 262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Noëlle Mathieu
- Human Health Department, IRSN, Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety, PSE-SANTE, SERAMED, LRMed, 92 262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
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6
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Wälchli T, Bisschop J, Miettinen A, Ulmann-Schuler A, Hintermüller C, Meyer EP, Krucker T, Wälchli R, Monnier PP, Carmeliet P, Vogel J, Stampanoni M. Hierarchical imaging and computational analysis of three-dimensional vascular network architecture in the entire postnatal and adult mouse brain. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:4564-4610. [PMID: 34480130 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00587-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels and the establishment of vascular networks are crucial during brain development, in the adult healthy brain, as well as in various diseases of the central nervous system. Here, we describe a step-by-step protocol for our recently developed method that enables hierarchical imaging and computational analysis of vascular networks in postnatal and adult mouse brains. The different stages of the procedure include resin-based vascular corrosion casting, scanning electron microscopy, synchrotron radiation and desktop microcomputed tomography imaging, and computational network analysis. Combining these methods enables detailed visualization and quantification of the 3D brain vasculature. Network features such as vascular volume fraction, branch point density, vessel diameter, length, tortuosity and directionality as well as extravascular distance can be obtained at any developmental stage from the early postnatal to the adult brain. This approach can be used to provide a detailed morphological atlas of the entire mouse brain vasculature at both the postnatal and the adult stage of development. Our protocol allows the characterization of brain vascular networks separately for capillaries and noncapillaries. The entire protocol, from mouse perfusion to vessel network analysis, takes ~10 d.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wälchli
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, and Division of Neurosurgery, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Group Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jeroen Bisschop
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, and Division of Neurosurgery, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Group Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arttu Miettinen
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Physics, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | | | | | - Eric P Meyer
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Krucker
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Regula Wälchli
- Department of Dermatology, Pediatric Skin Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philippe P Monnier
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Krembil Research Institute, Vision Division, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johannes Vogel
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stampanoni
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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7
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Leyssens L, Pestiaux C, Kerckhofs G. A Review of Ex Vivo X-ray Microfocus Computed Tomography-Based Characterization of the Cardiovascular System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3263. [PMID: 33806852 PMCID: PMC8004599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular malformations and diseases are common but complex and often not yet fully understood. To better understand the effects of structural and microstructural changes of the heart and the vasculature on their proper functioning, a detailed characterization of the microstructure is crucial. In vivo imaging approaches are noninvasive and allow visualizing the heart and the vasculature in 3D. However, their spatial image resolution is often too limited for microstructural analyses, and hence, ex vivo imaging is preferred for this purpose. Ex vivo X-ray microfocus computed tomography (microCT) is a rapidly emerging high-resolution 3D structural imaging technique often used for the assessment of calcified tissues. Contrast-enhanced microCT (CE-CT) or phase-contrast microCT (PC-CT) improve this technique by additionally allowing the distinction of different low X-ray-absorbing soft tissues. In this review, we present the strengths of ex vivo microCT, CE-CT and PC-CT for quantitative 3D imaging of the structure and/or microstructure of the heart, the vasculature and their substructures in healthy and diseased state. We also discuss their current limitations, mainly with regard to the contrasting methods and the tissue preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Leyssens
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (L.L.); (C.P.)
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Camille Pestiaux
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (L.L.); (C.P.)
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Greet Kerckhofs
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (L.L.); (C.P.)
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
- Department of Materials Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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8
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Sangha GS, Goergen CJ, Prior SJ, Ranadive SM, Clyne AM. Preclinical techniques to investigate exercise training in vascular pathophysiology. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1566-H1600. [PMID: 33385323 PMCID: PMC8260379 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00719.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process starting with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation and eventually leading to life-threatening arterial plaques. Exercise generally improves endothelial function in a dose-dependent manner by altering hemodynamics, specifically by increased arterial pressure, pulsatility, and shear stress. However, athletes who regularly participate in high-intensity training can develop arterial plaques, suggesting alternative mechanisms through which excessive exercise promotes vascular disease. Understanding the mechanisms that drive atherosclerosis in sedentary versus exercise states may lead to novel rehabilitative methods aimed at improving exercise compliance and physical activity. Preclinical tools, including in vitro cell assays, in vivo animal models, and in silico computational methods, broaden our capabilities to study the mechanisms through which exercise impacts atherogenesis, from molecular maladaptation to vascular remodeling. Here, we describe how preclinical research tools have and can be used to study exercise effects on atherosclerosis. We then propose how advanced bioengineering techniques can be used to address gaps in our current understanding of vascular pathophysiology, including integrating in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies across multiple tissue systems and size scales. Improving our understanding of the antiatherogenic exercise effects will enable engaging, targeted, and individualized exercise recommendations to promote cardiovascular health rather than treating cardiovascular disease that results from a sedentary lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurneet S Sangha
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Craig J Goergen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Steven J Prior
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sushant M Ranadive
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland
| | - Alisa M Clyne
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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9
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Bayguinov PO, Fisher MR, Fitzpatrick JAJ. Assaying three-dimensional cellular architecture using X-ray tomographic and correlated imaging approaches. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:15782-15793. [PMID: 32938716 PMCID: PMC7667966 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.009633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of our understanding of the spatial organization of and interactions between cellular organelles and macromolecular complexes has been the result of imaging studies utilizing either light- or electron-based microscopic analyses. These classical approaches, while insightful, are nonetheless limited either by restrictions in resolution or by the sheer complexity of generating multidimensional data. Recent advances in the use and application of X-rays to acquire micro- and nanotomographic data sets offer an alternative methodology to visualize cellular architecture at the nanoscale. These new approaches allow for the subcellular analyses of unstained vitrified cells and three-dimensional localization of specific protein targets and have served as an essential tool in bridging light and electron correlative microscopy experiments. Here, we review the theory, instrumentation details, acquisition principles, and applications of both soft X-ray tomography and X-ray microscopy and how the use of these techniques offers a succinct means of analyzing three-dimensional cellular architecture. We discuss some of the recent work that has taken advantage of these approaches and detail how they have become integral in correlative microscopy workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter O Bayguinov
- Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Max R Fisher
- Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - James A J Fitzpatrick
- Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA; Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
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10
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Comparison of Three-Dimensional Micro-CT Angiography of Cervical Spinal Cord between Two Contrast Agents. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2019; 2019:5215923. [PMID: 31110469 PMCID: PMC6487131 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5215923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Barium sulfate and lead oxide are commonly used for angiographic studies, but there is no report on the comparison of two contrast agents in angiography of cervical spinal cord. This study was aimed to compare the microvascular architecture of cervical spinal cord in rats after angiography with the barium sulfate agent to the lead oxide agent. Methods Twelve adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the barium sulfate group (n=6) and the lead oxide group (n=6). Each rat was perfused under the same protocol using either two contrast agents. The angiography was evaluated with the vascular number at different ranks. The cervical spinal cord samples were scanned using micro-CT with low resolution and high resolution. The microvascular parameters, including ratio of vascular volume to tissue volume (VV/TV), vascular number (V.N), diameter (V.Dm), separation (V.Sp), connectivity density (Conn.D), structure model index (SMI), percentage, and volume of vessels at different diameters were measured. Results The perfusion was better in the barium sulfate group, with more blood vessel trees of rank II and III visible compared to the lead oxide group. Low-resolution micro-CT analysis showed no difference in microvascular parameters except SMI between the two groups. High-resolution micro-CT analysis results showed that V.N and Conn.D of barium sulfate group were 60% and 290% more than those of the lead oxide group; however, V.Sp was 41% less than the lead oxide group. The percentage of vessels with diameter of 10 μm and 20 μm, and the volume of vessels with diameter of less than 100 μm was higher in the barium sulfate group than in the lead oxide group. The SMI index in the barium sulfate group was higher than that in the lead oxide group at both low resolution and high resolution. Conclusions Compared with lead oxide, barium sulfate is more suitable for perfusion of cervical spinal cord microvessels, and cheap and nontoxic with high resolution.
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Stouthandel MEJ, Veldeman L, Van Hoof T. Call for a Multidisciplinary Effort to Map the Lymphatic System with Advanced Medical Imaging Techniques: A Review of the Literature and Suggestions for Future Anatomical Research. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 302:1681-1695. [PMID: 31087787 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review intends to rekindle efforts to map the lymphatic system by using a more modern approach, based on medical imaging. The structure, function, and pathologies associated with the lymphatic system are first discussed to highlight the need for more accurately mapping the lymphatic system. Next, the need for an interdisciplinary approach, with a central role for the anatomist, to come up with better maps of the lymphatic system is emphasized. The current approaches on lymphatic system research involving medical imaging will be discussed and suggestions will be made for an all-encompassing effort to thoroughly map the entire lymphatic system. A first-hand account of our integration as anatomists in the radiotherapy department is given as an example of interdisciplinary collaboration. From this account, it will become clear that the interdisciplinary collaboration of anatomists in the clinical disciplines involved in lymphatic system research/treatment still holds great promise in terms of improving clinical regimens that are currently being employed. As such, we hope that our fellow anatomists will join us in an interdisciplinary effort to map the lymphatic system, because this could, in a relatively short timeframe, provide improved treatment options for patients with cancer or lymphatic pathologies all over the world. Anat Rec, 302:1681-1695, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liv Veldeman
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Van Hoof
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Iodine-Enhanced Micro-CT Imaging of Soft Tissue on the Example of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2019; 2019:7483745. [PMID: 31049044 PMCID: PMC6458925 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7483745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microcomputed tomography (μCT) is widely used for the study of mineralized tissues, but a similar use for soft tissues is hindered by their low X-ray attenuation. This limitation can be overcome by the recent development of different staining techniques. Staining with Lugol's solution, a mixture of one part iodine and two parts potassium iodide in water, stands out among these techniques for its low complexity and cost. Currently, Lugol staining is mostly used for anatomical examination of tissues. In the present study, we seek to optimize the quality and reproducibility of the staining for ex vivo visualization of soft tissues in the context of a peripheral nerve regeneration model in the rat. We show that the staining result not only depends on the concentration of the staining solution but also on the amount of stain in relation to the tissue volume and composition, necessitating careful adaptation of the staining protocol to the respective specimen tissue. This optimization can be simplified by a stepwise staining which we show to yield a similar result compared to staining in a single step. Lugol staining solution results in concentration-dependent tissue shrinkage which can be minimized but not eliminated. We compared the shrinkage of tendon, nerve, skeletal muscle, heart, brain, and kidney with six iterations of Lugol staining. 60 ml of 0.3% Lugol's solution per cm3 of tissue for 24 h yielded good results on the example of a peripheral nerve regeneration model, and we were able to show that the regenerating nerve inside a silk fibroin tube can be visualized in 3D using this staining technique. This information helps in deciding the region of interest for histological imaging and provides a 3D context to histological findings. Correlating both imaging modalities has the potential to improve the understanding of the regenerative process.
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3D vessel-wall virtual histology of whole-body perfused mice using a novel heavy element stain. Sci Rep 2019; 9:698. [PMID: 30679558 PMCID: PMC6345940 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36905-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Virtual histology – utilizing high-resolution three-dimensional imaging – is becoming readily available. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is widely available and is often coupled with x-ray attenuating histological stains that mark specific tissue components for 3D virtual histology. In this study we describe a new tri-element x-ray attenuating stain and perfusion protocol that provides micro-CT contrast of the entire vasculature of an intact mouse. The stain – derived from an established histology stain (Verhoeff’s) – is modified to enable perfusion through the vasculature; the attenuating elements of the stain are iodine, aluminum, and iron. After a 30-minute perfusion through the vasculature (10-minute flushing with detergent-containing saline followed by 15-minute perfusion with the stain and a final 5-minute saline flush), animals are scanned using micro-CT. We demonstrate that the new staining protocol enables sharp delineation of the vessel walls in three dimensions over the whole body; corresponding histological analysis verified that the CT stain is localized primarily in the endothelial cells and media of large arteries and the endothelium of smaller vessels, such as the coronaries. The rapid perfusion and scanning protocol ensured that all tissues are available for further analysis via higher resolution CT of smaller sections or traditional histological sectioning.
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Tse JJ, Dunmore-Buyze J, Drangova M, Holdsworth DW. Dual-energy computed tomography using a gantry-based preclinical cone-beam microcomputed tomography scanner. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2018; 5:033503. [PMID: 30155511 PMCID: PMC6103383 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.5.3.033503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dual-energy microcomputed tomography (DECT) can provide quantitative information about specific materials of interest, facilitating automated segmentation, and visualization of complex three-dimensional tissues. It is possible to implement DECT on currently available preclinical gantry-based cone-beam micro-CT scanners; however, optimal decomposition image quality requires customized spectral shaping (through added filtration), optimized acquisition protocols, and elimination of misregistration artifacts. We present a method for the fabrication of customized x-ray filters-in both shape and elemental composition-needed for spectral shaping. Fiducial markers, integrated within the sample holder, were used to ensure accurate co-registration between sequential low- and high-energy image volumes. The entire acquisition process was automated through the use of a motorized filter-exchange mechanism. We describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of a DECT system on a gantry-based-preclinical cone-beam micro-CT scanner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J Tse
- Western University, Bone and Joint Institute, Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Western University, Bone and Joint Institute, Departments of Medical Biophysics and Medical Imaging, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joy Dunmore-Buyze
- Western University, Bone and Joint Institute, Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Drangova
- Western University, Bone and Joint Institute, Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Western University, Bone and Joint Institute, Departments of Medical Biophysics and Medical Imaging, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David W Holdsworth
- Western University, Bone and Joint Institute, Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Western University, Bone and Joint Institute, Departments of Medical Biophysics and Medical Imaging, London, Ontario, Canada.,Western University, Bone and Joint Institute, Department of Surgery, London, Ontario, Canada
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Erbium-Based Perfusion Contrast Agent for Small-Animal Microvessel Imaging. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2017; 2017:7368384. [PMID: 29270099 PMCID: PMC5705880 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7368384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) facilitates the visualization and quantification of contrast-enhanced microvessels within intact tissue specimens, but conventional preclinical vascular contrast agents may be inadequate near dense tissue (such as bone). Typical lead-based contrast agents do not exhibit optimal X-ray absorption properties when used with X-ray tube potentials below 90 kilo-electron volts (keV). We have developed a high-atomic number lanthanide (erbium) contrast agent, with a K-edge at 57.5 keV. This approach optimizes X-ray absorption in the output spectral band of conventional microfocal spot X-ray tubes. Erbium oxide nanoparticles (nominal diameter < 50 nm) suspended in a two-part silicone elastomer produce a perfusable fluid with viscosity of 19.2 mPa-s. Ultrasonic cavitation was used to reduce aggregate sizes to <70 nm. Postmortem intact mice were perfused to investigate the efficacy of contrast agent. The observed vessel contrast was >4000 Hounsfield units, and perfusion of vessels < 10 μm in diameter was demonstrated in kidney glomeruli. The described new contrast agent facilitated the visualization and quantification of vessel density and microarchitecture, even adjacent to dense bone. Erbium's K-edge makes this contrast agent ideally suited for both single- and dual-energy micro-CT, expanding potential preclinical research applications in models of musculoskeletal, oncological, cardiovascular, and neurovascular diseases.
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Renard Y, Hossu G, Chen B, Krebs M, Labrousse M, Perez M. A guide for effective anatomical vascularization studies: useful ex vivo methods for both CT and MRI imaging before dissection. J Anat 2017; 232:15-25. [PMID: 29023687 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop a simple and useful injection protocol for imaging cadaveric vascularization and dissection. Mixtures of contrast agent and cast product should provide adequate contrast for two types of ex vivo imaging (MRI and CT) and should harden to allow gross dissection of the injected structures. We tested the most popular contrast agents and cast products, and selected the optimal mixture composition based on their availability and ease of use. All mixtures were first tested in vitro to adjust dilution parameters of each contrast agent and to fine-tune MR imaging acquisition sequences. Mixtures were then injected in 24 pig livers and one human pancreas for MR and computed tomography (CT) imaging before anatomical dissection. Colorized latex, gadobutrol and barite mixture met the above objective. Mixtures composed of copper sulfate (CuSO4 ) gadoxetic acid (for MRI) and iodine (for CT) gave an inhomogeneous signal or extravasation of the contrast agent. Agar did not harden sufficiently for gross dissection but appears useful for CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies without dissection. Silicone was very hard to inject but achieved the goals of the study. Resin is particularly difficult to use but could replace latex as an alternative for corrosion instead of dissection. This injection protocol allows CT and MRI images to be obtained of cadaveric vascularization and anatomical casts in the same anatomic specimen. Post-imaging processing software allow easy 3D reconstruction of complex anatomical structures using this technique. Applications are numerous, e.g. surgical training, teaching methods, postmortem anatomic studies, pathologic studies, and forensic diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohann Renard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France.,IADI, INSERM U947, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Gabriela Hossu
- IADI, INSERM U947, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France.,INSERM CIT1433, CIC-IT, University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Bailiang Chen
- IADI, INSERM U947, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France.,INSERM CIT1433, CIC-IT, University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Marine Krebs
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Marc Labrousse
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Manuela Perez
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France.,IADI, INSERM U947, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
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