Abstract
The angioarchitecture is a fundamental aspect of brain development and physiology. However, available imaging tools are unsuited for non-destructive cerebral mapping of the functionally important three-dimensional (3D) vascular microstructures. To address this issue, we developed an ultra-high resolution 3D digitalized angioarchitectural map for rat brain, based on synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) with pixel size of 5.92 μm. This approach provides a systematic and detailed view of the cerebrovascular anatomy at the micrometer level without any need for contrast agents. From qualitative and quantitative perspectives, the present 3D data provide a considerable insight into the spatial vascular network for whole rodent brain, particularly for functionally important regions of interest, such as the hippocampus, pre-frontal cerebral cortex and the corpus striatum. We extended these results to synchrotron-based virtual micro-endoscopy, thus revealing the trajectory of targeted vessels in 3D. The SR-PCI method for systematic visualization of cerebral microvasculature holds considerable promise for wider application in life sciences, including 3D micro-imaging in experimental models of neurodevelopmental and vascular disorders.
Highlights
Brain angioarchitecture and regional segregation of functional brain regions are key elements for advancing understanding on neurovascular functions in clinical research fields
synchrotron radiation (SR)-based phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) seems poised to emerge as a powerful tool in depicting the 3D arrangements of cerebral vasculature, in conjunction with a global-local perspective supported by the phase shift information generated by vessels within the volume
We established a systematic and highly effective approach to the processing of large brain datasets derived from the original projections of optimized 2D slices to the ultimate 3D high resolution images
Summary
Brain angioarchitecture and regional segregation of functional brain regions are key elements for advancing understanding on neurovascular functions in clinical research fields. To the best of our knowledge, the present work takes the lead in systematically presenting 3D brain-wide angioarchitectural maps of high quality based on the SR-PCI technique, as well as providing a description of synchrotron-based virtual micro-endoscopy and dynamic visualization of navigation through the vasculature. This achievement paves the way for a wider application of systematic and in-depth investigations of 3D micro-angioarchitecture on a global-local scale in diverse biological states, and will aid pathophysiology models to be developed. The newly-established 3D image processing and analysis method for complicated vascular networks may act as a catalyst to inspire further non-destructive imaging studies on vascular micro-morphology using SR-PCI methods
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