Simultaneous 3D Visualization of the Microvascular and Neural Network in Mouse Spinal Cord Using Synchrotron Radiation Micro-Computed Tomography

Liyuan Jiang,Jianzhong Hu,Xianzhen Yin,Hongbin Lu,Yong Cao,Miao Li,Chunyue Duan,Chengjun Li,Tianding Wu

doi:10.1007/s12264-021-00715-7

Abstract

Effective methods for visualizing neurovascular morphology are essential for understanding the normal spinal cord and the morphological alterations associated with diseases. However, ideal techniques for simultaneously imaging neurovascular structure in a broad region of a specimen are still lacking. In this study, we combined Golgi staining with angiography and synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SRμCT) to visualize the 3D neurovascular network in the mouse spinal cord. Using our method, the 3D neurons, nerve fibers, and vasculature in a broad region could be visualized in the same image at cellular resolution without destructive sectioning. Besides, we found that the 3D morphology of neurons, nerve fiber tracts, and vasculature visualized by SRμCT were highly consistent with that visualized using the histological method. Moreover, the 3D neurovascular structure could be quantitatively evaluated by the combined methodology. The method shown here will be useful in fundamental neuroscience studies.

Highlights

Since the spinal cord is the main pathway for neural signals connecting the central nervous system (CNS) to the peripheral nervous system (PNS), diseases of the spinal cord can interrupt these connections, resulting in impairments of sensory and motor functions [1]
Effective methods for visualizing neurovascular morphology are essential for understanding the normal spinal cord and the morphological alterations associated with diseases
Perfusion and Tissue Processing neurovascular network of gray matter in histological sections, 225 lm 9 150 lm 9 15 lm region located in the dorsal horn (DH), ventral horn (VH), and intermediate gray matter (IGM) were selected for measurements and comparisons

Summary

Introduction

Since the spinal cord is the main pathway for neural signals connecting the central nervous system (CNS) to the peripheral nervous system (PNS), diseases of the spinal cord can interrupt these connections, resulting in impairments of sensory and motor functions [1]. Nerve fibers, and blood vessels are the main structures that constitute the spinal cord microenvironment. Their structural changes are frequently associated with the occurrence and development of spinal cord disorders [2,3,4]. Exploring the morphology of the neurovascular microstructure is of great importance for understanding the pathogenesis and development of diseases and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. Both the neural network and vascular architecture in the spinal cord are very complicated. Current morphological studies of neurons and vasculature mostly rely on a two-dimensional (2D)

Methods

Results

Conclusion