Novel anatomical analysis of human embryos using iodine staining and micro‐computed tomography (CT Scanning)

Abstract

Human developmental anatomy is central to understanding of many disease states but has been challenged by the typically destructive analysis (e.g., histology) of scarce fetal specimens. CT scanning is non‐destructive, but is usually poor at distinguishing soft tissues. Iodine potassium iodide (I2KI) staining prior to CT is a new method to enhance soft‐tissue contrast. This study is the first to study human development with iodine‐enhanced microCT. Six human embryos ranging from 6–18 weeks, will be scanned, soaked in Lugol's solution for days to months depending on size, and then rescanned. Data are analyzed in Avizo and presented as images and 3D models. Here we present a progress report based on a subset of the total sample. Iodine staining shows many distinguishable soft tissues and provides highly detailed images. Results include clear details of the developing brain, fetal heart and circulation, and gut. The contrast provided by iodine staining creates images that can be used to analyze components of fetal anatomy that can provide insight into many developmental anomalies. This initial success indicates that this technique has great promise for producing valuable visualizations of human fetal development and a better understanding of human disease. Funding for this project was provided by a grant to AS from the Ohio University Provost Undergraduate Research Fund and to LMW from NSF.Grant Funding Source: NSF