Abstract
High-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been the primary modality for obtaining 3D cross-sectional anatomical information in animals for soft tissue, particularly brain. However, costs associated with MRI can be considerably high for large phenotypic screens for gross differences in the structure of the brain due to pathology and/or experimental manipulations. MicroCT (mCT), especially benchtop mCT, is becoming a common laboratory equipment with throughput rates equal or faster than any form of high-resolution MRI at lower costs. Here we explore adapting previously developed contrast based mCT to image adult mouse brains in-situ. We show that 2% weight per volume (w/v) iodine-potassium iodide solution can be successfully used to image adult mouse brains within 48 hours post-mortem when a structural support matrix is used. We demonstrate that hydrogel can be effectively used as a perfusant which limits the tissue shrinkage due to iodine.
Highlights
Micro computed tomography is an indispensable tool for acquiring high-resolution three dimensional images from mineralized tissue like bone or teeth, but has limited applicability on imaging soft tissue due to fairly low attenuation of X-rays in low density material
The 4% weight per volume (w/v) PFA was prepared by dissolving powdered PFA (Sigma-Aldrich, 158127) in 0.01M Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) at 65°C and was made fresh for perfusion
The group A samples that were perfused with Hg remained stable in most aspects of the anatomy and were most similar to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) imaged samples (Fig 1A) in terms of anatomical stability, with a comparable degree of staining (Fig 1B) to the PFA perfused sample
Summary
Micro computed tomography (mCT) is an indispensable tool for acquiring high-resolution three dimensional images from mineralized tissue like bone or teeth, but has limited applicability on imaging soft tissue due to fairly low attenuation of X-rays in low density material. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners with high-field-strength magnets (7 or 14T) typically provide very good contrast among soft tissues and excellent spatial resolution to image developing murine or avian embryos [1,2] as well as adults. They are not as widely available as research mCT scanners, and costs associated with them are generally an order of magnitude higher due to high maintenance costs and service contracts. A series of PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0142974 November 16, 2015
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
