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In vivo imaging in experimental spinal cord injury – Techniques and trends. BRAIN AND SPINE 2022; 2:100859. [PMID: 36248104 PMCID: PMC9560701 DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2021.100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. Treatment is limited to supportive care and no curative therapy exists. Experimental research to understand the complex pathophysiology and potential mediators of spinal cord regeneration is essential to develop innovative translational therapies. A multitude of experimental imaging methods to monitor spinal cord regeneration in vivo have developed over the last years. However, little literature exists to deal with advanced imaging methods specifically available in SCI research. Research Question This systematic literature review examines the current standards in experimental imaging in SCI allowing for in vivo imaging of spinal cord regeneration on a neuronal, vascular, and cellular basis. Material and Methods Articles were included meeting the following criteria: experimental research, original studies, rodent subjects, and intravital imaging. Reviewed in detail are microstructural and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Micro-Computed Tomography, Laser Speckle Imaging, Very High Resolution Ultrasound, and in vivo microscopy techniques. Results Following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, 689 articles were identified for review, of which 492 were sorted out after screening and an additional 104 after detailed review. For qualitative synthesis 93 articles were included in this publication. Discussion and Conclusion With this study we give an up-to-date overview about modern experimental imaging techniques with the potential to advance the knowledge on spinal cord regeneration following SCI. A thorough knowledge of the strengths and limitations of the reviewed techniques will help to optimally exploit our current experimental armamentarium in the field. In vivo imaging is essential to enhance the understanding of SCI pathophysiology. Multiple experimental imaging methods have evolved over the past years. Detailed review of in vivo (f)MRI, μCT, VHRUS, and Microcopy in experimental SCI. Experimental imaging allows for longitudinal examination to the cellular level. Knowledge of the strengths and limitations is essential for future research.
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Jiang L, Cao Y, Yin X, Ni S, Li M, Li C, Luo Z, Lu H, Hu J. A combinatorial method to visualize the neuronal network in the mouse spinal cord: combination of a modified Golgi-Cox method and synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 155:477-489. [PMID: 33398435 PMCID: PMC8062354 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-020-01949-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Exploring the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of neurons is essential to understanding spinal cord function and associated diseases comprehensively. However, 3D imaging of the neuronal network in the broad region of the spinal cord at cellular resolution remains a challenge in the field of neuroscience. In this study, to obtain high-resolution 3D imaging of a detailed neuronal network in the mass of the spinal cord, the combination of synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SRμCT) and the Golgi-cox staining were used. We optimized the Golgi-Cox method (GCM) and developed a modified GCM (M-GCM), which improved background staining, reduced the number of artefacts, and diminished the impact of incomplete vasculature compared to the current GCM. Moreover, we achieved high-resolution 3D imaging of the detailed neuronal network in the spinal cord through the combination of SRμCT and M-GCM. Our results showed that the M-GCM increased the contrast between the neuronal structure and its surrounding extracellular matrix. Compared to the GCM, the M-GCM also diminished the impact of the artefacts and incomplete vasculature on the 3D image. Additionally, the 3D neuronal architecture was successfully quantified using a combination of SRμCT and M-GCM. The SRμCT was shown to be a valuable non-destructive tool for 3D visualization of the neuronal network in the broad 3D region of the spinal cord. Such a combinatorial method will, therefore, transform the presentation of Golgi staining from 2 to 3D, providing significant improvements in the 3D rendering of the neuronal network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Jiang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road No. 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Xiangya Hospital-International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Sports Medicine Research Centre, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Sport and Health, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road No. 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Xiangya Hospital-International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Sports Medicine Research Centre, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Sport and Health, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianzhen Yin
- Center for Drug Delivery System, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangfei Ni
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road No. 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Xiangya Hospital-International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Sports Medicine Research Centre, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Sport and Health, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road No. 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Xiangya Hospital-International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Sports Medicine Research Centre, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Sport and Health, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengjun Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road No. 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Xiangya Hospital-International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Sports Medicine Research Centre, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Sport and Health, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixiang Luo
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road No. 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Xiangya Hospital-International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Sports Medicine Research Centre, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Sport and Health, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road No. 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China. .,Xiangya Hospital-International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Sports Medicine Research Centre, Changsha, People's Republic of China. .,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Sport and Health, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianzhong Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road No. 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China. .,Xiangya Hospital-International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society Sports Medicine Research Centre, Changsha, People's Republic of China. .,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Sport and Health, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
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Barbone GE, Bravin A, Mittone A, Grosu S, Ricke J, Cavaletti G, Djonov V, Coan P. High-Spatial-Resolution Three-dimensional Imaging of Human Spinal Cord and Column Anatomy with Postmortem X-ray Phase-Contrast Micro-CT. Radiology 2021; 298:135-146. [DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2020201622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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4
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Strotton MC, Bodey AJ, Wanelik K, Hobbs C, Rau C, Bradbury EJ. The spatiotemporal spread of cervical spinal cord contusion injury pathology revealed by 3D in-line phase contrast synchrotron X-ray microtomography. Exp Neurol 2020; 336:113529. [PMID: 33220238 PMCID: PMC7840595 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Extensive structural changes occur within the spinal cord following traumatic injury. Acute tissue debris and necrotic tissue are broken down, proliferating local glia and infiltrating leukocytes remodel tissue biochemical and biophysical properties, and a chronic cavity surrounded by a scar forms at the injury epicentre. Serial-section 2D histology has traditionally assessed these features in experimental models of spinal cord injury (SCI) to measure the extent of tissue pathology and evaluate efficacy of novel therapies. However, this 2D snapshot approach overlooks slice intervening features, with accurate representation of tissue compromised by mechanical processing artefacts. 3D imaging avoids these caveats and allows full exploration of the injured tissue volume to characterise whole tissue pathology. Amongst 3D imaging modalities, Synchrotron Radiation X-ray microtomography (SRμCT) is advantageous for its speed, ability to cover large tissue volumes at high resolution, and need for minimal sample processing. Here we demonstrate how extended lengths of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) rat spinal cord can be completely imaged by SRμCT with micron resolution. Label-free contrast derived from X-ray phase interactions with low-density soft tissues, reveals spinal cord white matter, gray matter, tissue damage and vasculature, with tissue still viable for targeted 2D-histology after 3D imaging. We used SRμCT to quantify tissue pathology after a midline, cervical level (C6), 225 kDyne contusion injury over acute-to-chronic (24 h to 5 weeks) post injury time points. Quantification revealed acute tissue swelling prior to chronic atrophy across the whole imaged region (spanning 2 spinal segments above and below injury), along with rostro-caudal asymmetries in white and gray matter volume loss. 3D volumes revealed satellite damage in tissue far removed from the epicentre, and extensive rostro-caudal spread of damage through the base of the dorsal columns at 24 h post injury. This damage overlapped regions of vasogenic oedema, confirmed with subsequent histology. Tissue damage at later time points in border regions was most prominent in the dorsal columns, where it overlapped sites of damaged venous vasculature. Elaborating rostro-caudal and spatiotemporal asymmetries in reduced traumatic injury models centred on these regions may inform future treatments that seek to limit the spread of tissue pathology to these ‘at-risk’ regions. Whole rat spinal cord SRμCT tomograms (up to 20 mm length) with μm resolution Pathology of 3 SHAM and 24 acute-to-chronic C6 midline contusion SCIs quantified Rostro-caudal asymmetries in gray and white matter pathology progression Differences in ascending and descending dorsal column tract pathology Delayed rostral-caudal pathology associated with sites of venous vasculature
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrick C Strotton
- King's College London, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK.
| | | | | | - Carl Hobbs
- King's College London, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK.
| | | | - Elizabeth J Bradbury
- King's College London, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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Innovative high-resolution microCT imaging of animal brain vasculature. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:2885-2895. [PMID: 33128675 PMCID: PMC7674347 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02158-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of the angioarchitecture and quantification of the conduit vessels and microvasculature is of paramount importance for understanding the physiological and pathological processes within the central nervous system (CNS). Most of the available in vivo imaging methods lack penetration depth and/or resolution. Some ex vivo methods may provide better resolution, but are mainly destructive, as they are designed for imaging the CNS tissues after their removal from the skull or vertebral column. The removal procedure inevitably alters the in situ relations of the investigated structures and damages the dura mater and leptomeninges. µAngiofil, a polymer-based contrast agent, permits a qualitatively novel postmortem microangio-computed tomography (microangioCT) approach with excellent resolution and, therefore, visualization of the smallest brain capillaries. The datasets obtained empower a rather straightforward quantitative analysis of the vascular tree, including the microvasculature. The µAngiofil has an excellent filling capacity as well as a radio-opacity higher than the one of bone tissue, which allows imaging the cerebral microvasculature even within the intact skull or vertebral column. This permits in situ visualization and thus investigation of the dura mater and leptomeningeal layers as well as their blood supply in their original geometry. Moreover, the methodology introduced here permits correlative approaches, i.e., microangioCT followed by classical histology, immunohistochemistry and even electron microscopy. The experimental approach presented here makes use of common desktop microCT scanners, rendering it a promising everyday tool for the evaluation of the (micro)vasculature of the central nervous system in preclinical and basic research.
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Barbone GE, Bravin A, Mittone A, Kraiger MJ, Hrabě de Angelis M, Bossi M, Ballarini E, Rodriguez-Menendez V, Ceresa C, Cavaletti G, Coan P. Establishing sample-preparation protocols for X-ray phase-contrast CT of rodent spinal cords: Aldehyde fixations and osmium impregnation. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 339:108744. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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7
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Zhao Y, Ji D, Li Y, Zhao X, Lv W, Xin X, Han S, Hu C. Three-dimensional visualization of microvasculature from few-projection data using a novel CT reconstruction algorithm for propagation-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 11:364-387. [PMID: 32010522 PMCID: PMC6968748 DOI: 10.1364/boe.380084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Propagation-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging (PBI) is a powerful nondestructive imaging technique that can reveal the internal detailed structures in weakly absorbing samples. Extending PBI to CT (PBCT) enables high-resolution and high-contrast 3D visualization of microvasculature, which can be used for the understanding, diagnosis and therapy of diseases involving vasculopathy, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and tumor. However, the long scan time for PBCT impedes its wider use in biomedical and preclinical microvascular studies. To address this issue, a novel CT reconstruction algorithm for PBCT is presented that aims at shortening the scan time for microvascular samples by reducing the number of projections while maintaining the high quality of reconstructed images. The proposed algorithm combines the filtered backprojection method into the iterative reconstruction framework, and a weighted guided image filtering approach (WGIF) is utilized to optimize the intermediate reconstructed images. Notably, the homogeneity assumption on the microvasculature sample is adopted as prior knowledge, and therefore, a prior image of microvasculature structures can be acquired by a k-means clustering approach. Then, the prior image is used as the guided image in the WGIF procedure to effectively suppress streaking artifacts and preserve microvasculature structures. To evaluate the effectiveness and capability of the proposed algorithm, simulation experiments on 3D microvasculature numerical phantom and real experiments with CT reconstruction on the microvasculature sample are performed. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can, under noise-free and noisy conditions, significantly reduce the artifacts and effectively preserve the microvasculature structures on the reconstructed images and thus enables it to be used for clear and accurate 3D visualization of microvasculature from few-projection data. Therefore, for 3D visualization of microvasculature, the proposed algorithm can be considered an effective approach for reducing the scan time required by PBCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhao
- School of Biomedical Engineering and
Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Dongjiang Ji
- The School of Science, Tianjin University
of Technology and Education, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Yimin Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering and
Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xinyan Zhao
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship
Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wenjuan Lv
- School of Biomedical Engineering and
Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xiaohong Xin
- School of Biomedical Engineering and
Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Shuo Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering and
Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Chunhong Hu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and
Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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Shi S, Zhang H, Yin X, Wang Z, Tang B, Luo Y, Ding H, Chen Z, Cao Y, Wang T, Xiao B, Zhang M. 3D digital anatomic angioarchitecture of the mouse brain using synchrotron-radiation-based propagation phase-contrast imaging. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2019; 26:1742-1750. [PMID: 31490166 DOI: 10.1107/s160057751900674x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Thorough investigation of the three-dimensional (3D) configuration of the vasculature of mouse brain remains technologically difficult because of its complex anatomical structure. In this study, a systematic analysis is developed to visualize the 3D angioarchitecture of mouse brain at ultrahigh resolution using synchrotron-radiation-based propagation phase-contrast imaging. This method provides detailed restoration of the intricate brain microvascular network in a precise 3D manner. In addition to depicting the delicate 3D arrangements of the vascular network, 3D virtual micro-endoscopy is also innovatively performed to visualize randomly a selected vessel within the brain for both external 3D micro-imaging and endoscopic visualization of any targeted microvessels, which improves the understanding of the intrinsic properties of the mouse brain angioarchitecture. Based on these data, hierarchical visualization has been established and a systematic assessment on the 3D configuration of the mouse brain microvascular network has been achieved at high resolution which will aid in advancing the understanding of the role of vasculature in the perspective of structure and function in depth. This holds great promise for wider application in various models of neurovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shupeng Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianzhen Yin
- Center for Drug Delivery System, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuolu Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuebei Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuohui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
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Cao Y, Zhang M, Ding H, Chen Z, Tang B, Wu T, Xiao B, Duan C, Ni S, Jiang L, Luo Z, Li C, Zhao J, Liao S, Yin X, Fu Y, Xiao T, Lu H, Hu J. Synchrotron radiation micro-tomography for high-resolution neurovascular network morphology investigation. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2019; 26:607-618. [PMID: 31074423 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577519003060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in using high-resolution micro-tomography to investigate the morphology of neurovascular networks in the central nervous system, which remain difficult to characterize due to their microscopic size as well as their delicate and complex 3D structure. Synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging, which has emerged as a cutting-edge imaging technology with a high spatial resolution, provides a novel platform for the non-destructive imaging of microvasculature networks at a sub-micrometre scale. When coupled with computed tomography, this technique allows the characterization of the 3D morphology of vasculature. The current review focuses on recent progress in developing synchrotron radiation methodology and its application in probing neurovascular networks, especially the pathological changes associated with vascular abnormalities in various model systems. Furthermore, this tool represents a powerful imaging modality that improves our understanding of the complex biological interactions between vascular function and neuronal activity in both physiological and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuohui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianding Wu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyue Duan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangfei Ni
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyuan Jiang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixiang Luo
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengjun Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyun Zhao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenghui Liao
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianzhen Yin
- Center for Drug Delivery System, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20203, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalan Fu
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility/Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 21204, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiqiao Xiao
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility/Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 21204, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhong Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China
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Liu Y, Liu Q, Li R, Yang Z, Huang Z, Huang Z, Liu J, Wu X, Lin J, Wu X, Zhu Q. Three-Dimensional Changes in Cervical Spinal Cord Microvasculature During the Chronic Phase of Hemicontusion Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. World Neurosurg 2019; 126:e385-e391. [PMID: 30822573 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.02.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The angioarchitecture of the spinal cord and microvascular changes after acute and subacute spinal cord injury (SCI) have been reported in rodents. Microvascular changes after chronic SCI have not been explored. We characterized three-dimensional microvascular changes during the chronic phase of cervical hemicontusion SCI in rats. METHODS At 12 weeks after 1.2-mm hemicontusion injury, microvascular parameters, including vascular volume, ratio of vascular volume to tissue volume, vascular number, and vascular separation, were measured at the epicenter and each cord segment, and the percentage and volume of spinal vessels with different diameters were measured by micro computed tomography at the injury segment. RESULTS The 1.2-mm hemicontusion injury applied a compressive force of 1.050 ± 0.103 N to the cord, resulting in a cavity and a significant decrease in microvasculature at the epicenter. The vascular volume, ratio of vascular volume to tissue volume, and vascular number of the C5 cord decreased by 40%, 38%, and 36% at 12 weeks after SCI, whereas vascular separation increased by 54% compared with the control group. In the chronic phase after SCI, the percentage and volume of spinal microvessels at the contusion segment decreased significantly (especially vessels with diameters <40 μm). CONCLUSIONS Blood supply to the cervical spinal cord is insufficient during the chronic phase of cervical hemicontusion SCI, especially in microvessels with diameters <40 μm. These results may provide a basis to explore microvascular changes of SCI during the chronic phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yapu Liu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Luohe Medical College, Luohe, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiping Huang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zucheng Huang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junhao Liu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuhua Wu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyu Lin
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoliang Wu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingan Zhu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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11
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Luo Y, Yin X, Shi S, Ren X, Zhang H, Wang Z, Cao Y, Tang M, Xiao B, Zhang M. Non-destructive 3D Microtomography of Cerebral Angioarchitecture Changes Following Ischemic Stroke in Rats Using Synchrotron Radiation. Front Neuroanat 2019; 13:5. [PMID: 30766481 PMCID: PMC6365468 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2019.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of functional changes in the cerebral microvasculature following ischemic injury is essential to elucidate the pathogenesis of stroke. Up to now, the simultaneous depiction and stereological analysis of 3D micro-architectural changes of brain vasculature with network disorders remains a technical challenge. We aimed to explore the three dimensional (3D) microstructural changes of microvasculature in the rat brain on 4, 6 hours, 3 and 18 days post-ischemia using synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SRμCT) with a per pixel size of 5.2 μm. The plasticity of angioarchitecture was distinctly visualized. Quantitative assessments of time-related trends after focal ischemia, including number of branches, number of nodes, and frequency distribution of vessel diameter, reached a peak at 6 h and significantly decreased at 3 days and initiated to form cavities. The detected pathological changes were also proven by histological tests. We depicted a novel methodology for the 3D analysis of vascular repair in ischemic injury, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Cerebral angioarchitecture sustained 3D remodeling and modification during the healing process. The results might provide a deeper insight into the compensatory mechanisms of microvasculature after injury, suggesting that SRμCT is able to provide a potential new platform for deepening imaging pathological changes in complicated angioarchitecture and evaluating potential therapeutic targets for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xianzhen Yin
- Center for Drug Delivery System, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shupeng Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaolei Ren
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuolu Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China.,Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mimi Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Hospital Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Optimising complementary soft tissue synchrotron X-ray microtomography for reversibly-stained central nervous system samples. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12017. [PMID: 30104610 PMCID: PMC6089931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Synchrotron radiation microtomography (SRμCT) is a nominally non-destructive 3D imaging technique which can visualise the internal structures of whole soft tissues. As a multi-stage technique, the cumulative benefits of optimising sample preparation, scanning parameters and signal processing can improve SRμCT imaging efficiency, image quality, accuracy and ultimately, data utility. By evaluating different sample preparations (embedding media, tissue stains), imaging (projection number, propagation distance) and reconstruction (artefact correction, phase retrieval) parameters, a novel methodology (combining reversible iodine stain, wax embedding and inline phase contrast) was optimised for fast (~12 minutes), high-resolution (3.2-4.8 μm diameter capillaries resolved) imaging of the full diameter of a 3.5 mm length of rat spinal cord. White-grey matter macro-features and micro-features such as motoneurons and capillary-level vasculature could then be completely segmented from the imaged volume for analysis through the shallow machine learning SuRVoS Workbench. Imaged spinal cord tissue was preserved for subsequent histology, establishing a complementary SRμCT methodology that can be applied to study spinal cord pathologies or other nervous system tissues such as ganglia, nerves and brain. Further, our 'single-scan iterative downsampling' approach and side-by-side comparisons of mounting options, sample stains and phase contrast parameters should inform efficient, effective future soft tissue SRμCT experiment design.
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13
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Morphometric Analysis of Rat Spinal Cord Angioarchitecture by Phase Contrast Radiography: From 2D to 3D Visualization. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2018; 43:E504-E511. [PMID: 28885295 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000002408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN An advanced imaging of vasculature with synchrotron radiation X-ray in a rat model. OBJECTIVE To develop the potential for quantitative assessment of vessel network from two-dimensional (2D) to 3D visualization by synchrotron radiation X-ray phase contrast tomography (XPCT) in rat spinal cord model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Investigation of microvasculature contributes to the understanding of pathological development of spinal cord injury. A few of X-ray imaging is available to visualize vascular architecture without usage of angiography or invasive casting preparation. METHODS A rat spinal cord injury model was produced by modified Allen method. Histomorphometric detection was simultaneously analyzed by both histology and XPCT from 2D to 3D visualization. The parameters including tissue lesion area, microvessel density, vessel diameter, and frequency distribution of vessel diameter were evaluated. RESULTS XPCT rendered the microvessels as small as capillary scale with a pixel size of 3.7 μm. It presented a high linear concordance for characterizing the 2D vascular morphometry compared with the histological staining (r = 0.8438). In the presence of spinal cord injury model, 3D construction quantified the significant angioarchitectural deficiency in the injury epicenter of cord lesion (P<0.01). CONCLUSION XPCT has a great potential to detect the smallest vascular network with pixel size up to micron dimension. It is inferred that the loss of abundant microvessels (≤40 μm) is responsible for local ischemia and neural dysfunction. XPCT holds a promise for morphometric analysis from 2D to 3D imaging in experimental model of neurovascular disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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14
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3D visualization of the lumbar facet joint after degeneration using propagation phase contrast micro-tomography. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21838. [PMID: 26907889 PMCID: PMC4764819 DOI: 10.1038/srep21838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lumbar facet joint (LFJ) degeneration is believed to be an important cause of low back pain (LBP). Identifying the morphological changes of the LFJ in the degeneration process at a high-resolution level could be meaningful for our better understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying this process. In the present study, we determined the 3D morphology of the LFJ using propagation phase contrast micro-tomography (PPCT) in rats to assess the subtle changes that occur during the degeneration process. PPCT provides vivid 3D images of micromorphological changes in the LFJ during its degeneration process, and the changes in the subchondral bone occurred earlier than in the cartilage during the early stage of degeneration of the LFJ. The delineation of this alteration was similar to that with the histological method. Our findings demonstrated that PPCT could serve as a valuable tool for 3D visualization of the morphology of the LFJ by providing comprehensive information about the cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone and their changes during degeneration processes. It might also have great potential for providing effective diagnostic tools to track changes in the cartilage and to evaluate the effects of therapeutic interventions for LFJ degeneration in preclinical studies.
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major health problem and is associated with a diversity of neurological symptoms. Pathophysiologically, dysfunction after SCI results from the culmination of tissue damage produced both by the primary insult and a range of secondary injury mechanisms. The application of hypothermia has been demonstrated to be neuroprotective after SCI in both experimental and human studies. The myriad of protective mechanisms of hypothermia include the slowing down of metabolism, decreasing free radical generation, inhibiting excitotoxicity and apoptosis, ameliorating inflammation, preserving the blood spinal cord barrier, inhibiting astrogliosis, promoting angiogenesis, as well as decreasing axonal damage and encouraging neurogenesis. Hypothermia has also been combined with other interventions, such as antioxidants, anesthetics, alkalinization and cell transplantation for additional benefit. Although a large body of work has reported on the effectiveness of hypothermia as a neuroprotective approach after SCI and its application has been translated to the clinic, a number of questions still remain regarding its use, including the identification of hypothermia's therapeutic window, optimal duration and the most appropriate rewarming rate. In addition, it is necessary to investigate the neuroprotective effect of combining therapeutic hypothermia with other treatment strategies for putative synergies, particularly those involving neurorepair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqiong Wang
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the Lois Pope Life Center, Locator code (R-48), PO BOX 016960, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Damien D Pearse
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the Lois Pope Life Center, Locator code (R-48), PO BOX 016960, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
- The Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the Lois Pope Life Center, Locator code (R-48), PO BOX 016960, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
- The Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the Lois Pope Life Center, Locator code (R-48), PO BOX 016960, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the Lois Pope Life Center, Locator code (R-48), PO BOX 016960, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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