1
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Phoon CK, Aristizábal O, Farhoud M, Turnbull DH, Wadghiri YZ. Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e1116. [PMID: 39222027 PMCID: PMC11371386 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.1116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The mouse is the mammalian model of choice for investigating cardiovascular biology, given our ability to manipulate it by genetic, pharmacologic, mechanical, and environmental means. Imaging is an important approach to phenotyping both function and structure of cardiac and vascular components. This review details commonly used imaging approaches, with a focus on echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, with brief overviews of other imaging modalities. In this update, we also emphasize the importance of rigor and reproducibility in imaging approaches, experimental design, and documentation. Finally, we briefly outline emerging imaging approaches but caution that reliability and validity data may be lacking. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin K.L. Phoon
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Orlando Aristizábal
- Department of Radiology, Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, & Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Preclinical Imaging, Division for Advanced Research Technologies, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | - Daniel H. Turnbull
- Department of Radiology, Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, & Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Youssef Z. Wadghiri
- Department of Radiology, Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, & Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Preclinical Imaging, Division for Advanced Research Technologies, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
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2
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Parslow VR, Elmore SA, Cochran RZ, Bolon B, Mahler B, Sabio D, Lubeck BA. Histology Atlas of the Developing Mouse Respiratory System From Prenatal Day 9.0 Through Postnatal Day 30. Toxicol Pathol 2024; 52:153-227. [PMID: 39096105 DOI: 10.1177/01926233241252114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory diseases are one of the leading causes of death and disability around the world. Mice are commonly used as models of human respiratory disease. Phenotypic analysis of mice with spontaneous, congenital, inherited, or treatment-related respiratory tract abnormalities requires investigators to discriminate normal anatomic features of the respiratory system from those that have been altered by disease. Many publications describe individual aspects of normal respiratory tract development, primarily focusing on morphogenesis of the trachea and lung. However, a single reference providing detailed low- and high-magnification, high-resolution images of routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections depicting all major structures of the entire developing murine respiratory system does not exist. The purpose of this atlas is to correct this deficiency by establishing one concise reference of high-resolution color photomicrographs from whole-slide scans of H&E-stained tissue sections. The atlas has detailed descriptions and well-annotated images of the developing mouse upper and lower respiratory tracts emphasizing embryonic days (E) 9.0 to 18.5 and major early postnatal events. The selected images illustrate the main structures and events at key developmental stages and thus should help investigators both confirm the chronological age of mouse embryos and distinguish normal morphology as well as structural (cellular and organ) abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan A Elmore
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert Z Cochran
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Beth Mahler
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - David Sabio
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Beth A Lubeck
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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3
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Roh JD, Castro C, Yu AZ, Rana S, Shahul S, Gray KJ, Honigberg MC, Ricke-Hoch M, Iwamoto Y, Yeri AS, Kitchen R, Guerra JB, Hobson R, Chaudhari V, Chang B, Sarma A, Lerchenmüller C, Al Sayed ZR, Verdugo CD, Xia P, Skarbianskis N, Zeisel A, Bauersachs J, Kirkland JL, Karumanchi SA, Gorcsan J, Sugahara M, Damp J, Hanley-Yanez K, Ellinor PT, Arany Z, McNamara DM, Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Rosenzweig A. Placental senescence pathophysiology is shared between peripartum cardiomyopathy and preeclampsia in mouse and human. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadi0077. [PMID: 38630848 PMCID: PMC11331492 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an idiopathic form of pregnancy-induced heart failure associated with preeclampsia. Circulating factors in late pregnancy are thought to contribute to both diseases, suggesting a common underlying pathophysiological process. However, what drives this process remains unclear. Using serum proteomics, we identified the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a marker of cellular senescence associated with biological aging, as the most highly up-regulated pathway in young women with PPCM or preeclampsia. Placentas from women with preeclampsia displayed multiple markers of amplified senescence and tissue aging, as well as overall increased gene expression of 28 circulating proteins that contributed to SASP pathway enrichment in serum samples from patients with preeclampsia or PPCM. The most highly expressed placental SASP factor, activin A, was associated with cardiac dysfunction or heart failure severity in women with preeclampsia or PPCM. In a murine model of PPCM induced by cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of the gene encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α, inhibiting activin A signaling in the early postpartum period with a monoclonal antibody to the activin type II receptor improved heart function. In addition, attenuating placental senescence with the senolytic compound fisetin in late pregnancy improved cardiac function in these animals. These findings link senescence biology to cardiac dysfunction in pregnancy and help to elucidate the pathogenesis underlying cardiovascular diseases of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D. Roh
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Claire Castro
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andy Z. Yu
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sarosh Rana
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sajid Shahul
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kathryn J. Gray
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Michael C. Honigberg
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Melanie Ricke-Hoch
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Yoshiko Iwamoto
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ashish S. Yeri
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Robert Kitchen
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Justin Baldovino Guerra
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Stanley and Judith Frankel Institute for Heart and Brain Health, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ryan Hobson
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vinita Chaudhari
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Bliss Chang
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Amy Sarma
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Carolin Lerchenmüller
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- German Center for Heart and Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site, Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Zeina R. Al Sayed
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Carmen Diaz Verdugo
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Peng Xia
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Niv Skarbianskis
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Amit Zeisel
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Johann Bauersachs
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - James L. Kirkland
- Departments of Medicine and Physiology and Bioengineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | - John Gorcsan
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Masataka Sugahara
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - Julie Damp
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Karen Hanley-Yanez
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Patrick T. Ellinor
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Zoltan Arany
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dennis M. McNamara
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Complications of Oncologic Therapies, Medical Faculty of the Philipps University Marburg, Marburg 35037, Germany
| | - Anthony Rosenzweig
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Stanley and Judith Frankel Institute for Heart and Brain Health, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Kunieda K, Makihara K, Yamada S, Yamaguchi M, Nakamura T, Terada Y. Brain Structures in a Human Embryo Imaged with MR Microscopy. Magn Reson Med Sci 2024:mp.2023-0110. [PMID: 38369336 DOI: 10.2463/mrms.mp.2023-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To delineate brain microstructures in human embryos during the formation of the various major primordia by MR microscopy, with different contrasts appropriate for each target. METHODS We focused mainly on the internal structures in the cerebral cortex and the accessory nerves of the brain. To find appropriate sequence parameters, we measured nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters and created kernel density plots of T1 and T2 values. We performed T1-weighted gradient echo imaging with parameters similar to those used in the previous studies. We performed T2*-weighted gradient echo imaging to delineate the target structures with the appropriate sequence parameters according to the NMR parameter and flip angle measurements. We also performed high-resolution imaging with both T1- and T2*-weighted sequences. RESULTS T1, T2, and T2* values of the target tissues were positively correlated and shorter than those of the surrounding tissues. In T1-weighted images with a voxel size of (30 µm)3 and (20 µm)3, various organs and tissues and the agarose gel were differentiated as in previous studies, and the structure of approximately 40 µm in size was depicted, but the detailed structures within the cerebral cortex and the accessory nerves were not delineated. In T2*-weighted images with a voxel size of (30 µm)3, the layered structure within the cerebral cortex and the accessory nerves were clearly visualized. Overall, T1-weighted images provided more information than T2*-weighted images, but important internal brain structures of interest were visible only in T2*-weighted images. Therefore, it is essential to perform MR microscopy with different contrasts. CONCLUSION We have visualized brain structures in a human embryo that had not previously been delineated by MR microscopy. We discussed pulse sequences appropriate for the structures of interest. This methodology would provide a way to visualize crucial embryological information about the anatomical structure of human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Kunieda
- Institute of Pure and Applied Physics, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Makihara
- Institute of Pure and Applied Physics, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shigehito Yamada
- Congenital Anomaly Research Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamaguchi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
- Division of Functional Imaging, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakamura
- Molecular Characterization Unit, Center for Sustainable Resource Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Terada
- Institute of Pure and Applied Physics, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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5
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Suarez AC, Gimenez CJ, Russell SR, Wang M, Munson JM, Myers KM, Miller KS, Abramowitch SD, De Vita R. Pregnancy-induced remodeling of the murine reproductive tract: a longitudinal in vivo magnetic resonance imaging study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:586. [PMID: 38182631 PMCID: PMC10770079 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50437-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian pregnancy requires gradual yet extreme remodeling of the reproductive organs to support the growth of the embryos and their birth. After delivery, the reproductive organs return to their non-pregnant state. As pregnancy has traditionally been understudied, there are many unknowns pertaining to the mechanisms behind this remarkable remodeling and repair process which, when not successful, can lead to pregnancy-related complications such as maternal trauma, pre-term birth, and pelvic floor disorders. This study presents the first longitudinal imaging data that focuses on revealing anatomical alterations of the vagina, cervix, and uterine horns during pregnancy and postpartum using the mouse model. By utilizing advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, T1-weighted and T2-weighted images of the reproductive organs of three mice in their in vivo environment were collected at five time points: non-pregnant, mid-pregnant (gestation day: 9-10), late pregnant (gestation day: 16-17), postpartum (24-72 h after delivery) and three weeks postpartum. Measurements of the vagina, cervix, and uterine horns were taken by analyzing MRI segmentations of these organs. The cross-sectional diameter, length, and volume of the vagina increased in late pregnancy and then returned to non-pregnant values three weeks after delivery. The cross-sectional diameter of the cervix decreased at mid-pregnancy before increasing in late pregnancy. The volume of the cervix peaked at late pregnancy before shortening by 24-72 h postpartum. As expected, the uterus increased in cross-sectional diameter, length, and volume during pregnancy. The uterine horns decreased in size postpartum, ultimately returning to their average non-pregnant size three weeks postpartum. The newly developed methods for acquiring longitudinal in vivo MRI scans of the murine reproductive system can be extended to future studies that evaluate functional and morphological alterations of this system due to pathologies, interventions, and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen C Suarez
- STRETCH Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, 325 Stanger Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Clara J Gimenez
- STRETCH Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, 325 Stanger Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Serena R Russell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, 234 S W. Mudd, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Maosen Wang
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, 4 Riverside Circle,, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Jennifer M Munson
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, 4 Riverside Circle,, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Kristin M Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, 234 S W. Mudd, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Kristin S Miller
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Steven D Abramowitch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Raffaella De Vita
- STRETCH Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, 325 Stanger Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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Kronman FA, Liwang JK, Betty R, Vanselow DJ, Wu YT, Tustison NJ, Bhandiwad A, Manjila SB, Minteer JA, Shin D, Lee CH, Patil R, Duda JT, Puelles L, Gee JC, Zhang J, Ng L, Kim Y. Developmental Mouse Brain Common Coordinate Framework. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.14.557789. [PMID: 37745386 PMCID: PMC10515964 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.14.557789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
3D standard reference brains serve as key resources to understand the spatial organization of the brain and promote interoperability across different studies. However, unlike the adult mouse brain, the lack of standard 3D reference atlases for developing mouse brains has hindered advancement of our understanding of brain development. Here, we present a multimodal 3D developmental common coordinate framework (DevCCF) spanning mouse embryonic day (E) 11.5, E13.5, E15.5, E18.5, and postnatal day (P) 4, P14, and P56 with anatomical segmentations defined by a developmental ontology. At each age, the DevCCF features undistorted morphologically averaged atlas templates created from Magnetic Resonance Imaging and co-registered high-resolution templates from light sheet fluorescence microscopy. Expert-curated 3D anatomical segmentations at each age adhere to an updated prosomeric model and can be explored via an interactive 3D web-visualizer. As a use case, we employed the DevCCF to unveil the emergence of GABAergic neurons in embryonic brains. Moreover, we integrated the Allen CCFv3 into the P56 template with stereotaxic coordinates and mapped spatial transcriptome cell-type data with the developmental ontology. In summary, the DevCCF is an openly accessible resource that can be used for large-scale data integration to gain a comprehensive understanding of brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fae A Kronman
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Josephine K Liwang
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Rebecca Betty
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Daniel J Vanselow
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Yuan-Ting Wu
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Nicholas J Tustison
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | | | - Steffy B Manjila
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Jennifer A Minteer
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Donghui Shin
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Choong Heon Lee
- Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Rohan Patil
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Jeffrey T Duda
- Department of Radiology, Penn Image Computing and Science Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Luis Puelles
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Murcia, and Murcia Arrixaca Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIB) Murcia, Spain
| | - James C Gee
- Department of Radiology, Penn Image Computing and Science Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jiangyang Zhang
- Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Lydia Ng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yongsoo Kim
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
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7
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Li-Villarreal N, Rasmussen TL, Christiansen AE, Dickinson ME, Hsu CW. Three-dimensional microCT imaging of mouse heart development from early post-implantation to late fetal stages. Mamm Genome 2023; 34:156-165. [PMID: 36595063 PMCID: PMC10290591 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-022-09976-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensive detailed characterization of new mouse models can be challenging due to the individual focus involved in developing these models. Often models are engineered to test a specific hypothesis in a limited number of tissues, stages, and/or other contexts. Whether or not the model produces the desired phenotypes, phenotyping beyond the desired context can be extremely work intensive and these studies are often not undertaken. However, the general information resulting from broader phenotyping can be invaluable to the wider scientific community. The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) and its subsidiaries, like the Knockout Mouse Project (KOMP), has made great strides in streamlining this process. In particular, the use of microCT has been an invaluable resource in examining internal organ systems throughout fetal/developmental stages. Here, we provide several novel vignettes demonstrating the utility of microCT in uncovering cardiac phenotypes both based on human disease correlations and those that are unpredicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanbing Li-Villarreal
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tara L Rasmussen
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Audrey E Christiansen
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mary E Dickinson
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Education, Innovation and Technology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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8
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Tsurugizawa T, Kumamoto T, Yoshioka Y. Utilization of potato starch suspension for MR-microimaging in ex vivo mouse embryos. iScience 2022; 25:105694. [PMID: 36567713 PMCID: PMC9768372 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance (MR) microimaging of the mouse embryo is a promising tool to noninvasively investigate the microstructure of the brain of a developing mouse. The proton-free fluid is used for the liquid surrounding the specimen in MR microimaging, but the potential issue of image quality remains due to the air bubbles on the specimen and the retained water proton in the curvature of the embryo. Furthermore, the specimen may move during the scanning, resulting in motion artifact. Here, we developed the new concept of the ex vivo microimaging protocol with the robust method using the potato starch-containing biological polymers. Potato starch suspension with PBS significantly reduced T1 and T2 signal intensity of the suspension and strongly suppressed the motion of the embryo. Furthermore, potato starch-PBS suspension is stable for long-time scanning at room temperature. These results indicate the utility of potato starch suspension for MR microimaging in mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu Tsurugizawa
- Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8568, Japan,Faculty of Engineering, Information and Systems, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8573, Japan,Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishishinbashi, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan,Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan,Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), Osaka University and National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Suita 565-0871, Japan,Corresponding author
| | - Takuma Kumamoto
- Developmental Neuroscience Project, Department of Brain & Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Yoshichika Yoshioka
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan,Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), Osaka University and National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Suita 565-0871, Japan,Corresponding author
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9
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Profiling development of abdominal organs in the pig. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16245. [PMID: 36171243 PMCID: PMC9519580 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19960-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The pig is an ideal model system for studying human development and disease due to its similarities to human anatomy, physiology, size, and genome. Further, advances in CRISPR gene editing have made genetically engineered pigs viable models for the study of human pathologies and congenital anomalies. However, a detailed atlas illustrating pig development is necessary for identifying and modeling developmental defects. Here we describe normal development of the pig abdominal system and show examples of congenital defects that can arise in CRISPR gene edited SAP130 mutant pigs. Normal pigs at different gestational ages from day 20 (D20) to term were examined and the configuration of the abdominal organs was studied using 3D histological reconstructions with episcopic confocal microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and necropsy. This revealed prominent mesonephros, a transient embryonic organ present only during embryogenesis, at D20, while the developing metanephros that will form the permanent kidney are noted at D26. By D64 the mesonephroi are absent and only the metanephroi remain. The formation of the liver and pancreas was observed by D20 and complete by D30 and D35 respectively. The spleen and adrenal glands are first identified at D26 and completed by D42. The developing bowel and the gonads are identified at D20. The bowel appears completely rotated by D42, and testes in the male were descended at D64. This atlas and the methods used are excellent tools for identifying developmental pathologies of the abdominal organs in the pig at different stages of development.
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10
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Handschuh S, Glösmann M. Mouse embryo phenotyping using X-ray microCT. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:949184. [PMID: 36187491 PMCID: PMC9523164 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.949184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microscopic X-ray computed tomography (microCT) is a structural ex vivo imaging technique providing genuine isotropic 3D images from biological samples at micron resolution. MicroCT imaging is non-destructive and combines well with other modalities such as light and electron microscopy in correlative imaging workflows. Protocols for staining embryos with X-ray dense contrast agents enable the acquisition of high-contrast and high-resolution datasets of whole embryos and specific organ systems. High sample throughput is achieved with dedicated setups. Consequently, microCT has gained enormous importance for both qualitative and quantitative phenotyping of mouse development. We here summarize state-of-the-art protocols of sample preparation and imaging procedures, showcase contemporary applications, and discuss possible pitfalls and sources for artefacts. In addition, we give an outlook on phenotyping workflows using microscopic dual energy CT (microDECT) and tissue-specific contrast agents.
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11
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Elmore SA. Prenatal Evaluations: A Prologue to Postnatal Pathology Interpretations. Toxicol Pathol 2021; 49:1425-1436. [PMID: 34652981 DOI: 10.1177/01926233211046540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Animal models are commonly used to investigate the developmental basis of human birth defects. Such models may be used for safety assessment studies designed to reveal xenobiotic-related alterations in juvenile animals, or to investigate gene function or generate models of human disease, as with transgenics. Therefore, the evaluation of rodent embryos and placentas can be used to provide insight into various postnatal abnormalities such as structural or cellular abnormalities and early death. Depending on the defect, pups may be born dead, survive for only a short period of time, survive but with poor growth, or survive and be clinically normal. Mice are generally used to generate genetic alterations that can help in identifying genes involved in embryogenesis. Rats are more commonly used for toxicology studies. This article aims to share information on the importance of, and strategies for, mouse embryo, placenta, and metrial gland evaluations. Information on early postnatal development is also provided as well as select examples of developmental information on organ systems needed for postnatal evaluations. A list of additional studies that can aid in the evaluation of prenatal and postnatal phenotypes is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Elmore
- National Toxicology Program, 6857NIEHS, Comparative and Molecular Pathogenesis Branch, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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12
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Srivatsan SR, Regier MC, Barkan E, Franks JM, Packer JS, Grosjean P, Duran M, Saxton S, Ladd JJ, Spielmann M, Lois C, Lampe PD, Shendure J, Stevens KR, Trapnell C. Embryo-scale, single-cell spatial transcriptomics. Science 2021; 373:111-117. [PMID: 34210887 PMCID: PMC9118175 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb9536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Spatial patterns of gene expression manifest at scales ranging from local (e.g., cell-cell interactions) to global (e.g., body axis patterning). However, current spatial transcriptomics methods either average local contexts or are restricted to limited fields of view. Here, we introduce sci-Space, which retains single-cell resolution while resolving spatial heterogeneity at larger scales. Applying sci-Space to developing mouse embryos, we captured approximate spatial coordinates and whole transcriptomes of about 120,000 nuclei. We identify thousands of genes exhibiting anatomically patterned expression, leverage spatial information to annotate cellular subtypes, show that cell types vary substantially in their extent of spatial patterning, and reveal correlations between pseudotime and the migratory patterns of differentiating neurons. Looking forward, we anticipate that sci-Space will facilitate the construction of spatially resolved single-cell atlases of mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay R Srivatsan
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mary C Regier
- Department of Bioengineering. University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eliza Barkan
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Franks
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Parker Grosjean
- Department of Bioengineering. University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Madeleine Duran
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah Saxton
- Department of Bioengineering. University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jon J Ladd
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Malte Spielmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Human Molecular Genomics Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlos Lois
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kelly R Stevens
- Department of Bioengineering. University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cole Trapnell
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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13
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Wendling O, Hentsch D, Jacobs H, Lemercier N, Taubert S, Pertuy F, Vonesch JL, Sorg T, Di Michele M, Le Cam L, Rosahl T, Carballo-Jane E, Liu M, Mu J, Mark M, Herault Y. High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy for Qualitative and Quantitative Data in Phenotyping Altered Embryos and Adult Mice Using the New "Histo3D" System. Biomedicines 2021; 9:767. [PMID: 34356832 PMCID: PMC8301480 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
3D imaging in animal models, during development or in adults, facilitates the identification of structural morphological changes that cannot be achieved with traditional 2D histological staining. Through the reconstruction of whole embryos or a region-of-interest, specific changes are better delimited and can be easily quantified. We focused here on high-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM), and its potential for visualizing and quantifying the organ systems of normal and genetically altered embryos and adult organisms. Although the technique is based on episcopic images, these are of high resolution and are close to histological quality. The images reflect the tissue structure and densities revealed by histology, albeit in a grayscale color map. HREM technology permits researchers to take advantage of serial 2D aligned stacks of images to perform 3D reconstructions. Three-dimensional visualization allows for an appreciation of topology and morphology that is difficult to achieve with classical histological studies. The nature of the data lends itself to novel forms of computational analysis that permit the accurate quantitation and comparison of individual embryos in a manner that is impossible with histology. Here, we have developed a new HREM prototype consisting of the assembly of a Leica Biosystems Nanocut rotary microtome with optics and a camera. We describe some examples of applications in the prenatal and adult lifestage of the mouse to show the added value of HREM for phenotyping experimental cohorts to compare and quantify structure volumes. At prenatal stages, segmentations and 3D reconstructions allowed the quantification of neural tissue and ventricular system volumes of normal brains at E14.5 and E16.5 stages. 3D representations of normal cranial and peripheric nerves at E15.5 and of the normal urogenital system from stages E11.5 to E14.5 were also performed. We also present a methodology to quantify the volume of the atherosclerotic plaques of ApoEtm1Unc/tm1Unc mutant mice and illustrate a 3D reconstruction of knee ligaments in adult mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Wendling
- CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (O.W.); (H.J.); (F.P.); (T.S.); (M.M.)
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (D.H.); (S.T.); (J.-L.V.)
| | - Didier Hentsch
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (D.H.); (S.T.); (J.-L.V.)
| | - Hugues Jacobs
- CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (O.W.); (H.J.); (F.P.); (T.S.); (M.M.)
| | | | - Serge Taubert
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (D.H.); (S.T.); (J.-L.V.)
| | - Fabien Pertuy
- CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (O.W.); (H.J.); (F.P.); (T.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Jean-Luc Vonesch
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (D.H.); (S.T.); (J.-L.V.)
| | - Tania Sorg
- CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (O.W.); (H.J.); (F.P.); (T.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Michela Di Michele
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), INSERM U1194, Université Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France; (M.D.M.); (L.L.C.)
- Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Université Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Le Cam
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), INSERM U1194, Université Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France; (M.D.M.); (L.L.C.)
- Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Université Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France
| | - Thomas Rosahl
- Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (T.R.); (E.C.-J.); (M.L.); (J.M.)
| | - Ester Carballo-Jane
- Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (T.R.); (E.C.-J.); (M.L.); (J.M.)
| | - Mindy Liu
- Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (T.R.); (E.C.-J.); (M.L.); (J.M.)
| | - James Mu
- Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (T.R.); (E.C.-J.); (M.L.); (J.M.)
| | - Manuel Mark
- CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (O.W.); (H.J.); (F.P.); (T.S.); (M.M.)
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (D.H.); (S.T.); (J.-L.V.)
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), CEDEX, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Yann Herault
- CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (O.W.); (H.J.); (F.P.); (T.S.); (M.M.)
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France; (D.H.); (S.T.); (J.-L.V.)
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14
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Doost A, Arnolda L. Iodine staining outperforms phosphotungstic acid in high-resolution micro-CT scanning of post-natal mice cardiac structures. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2021; 8:027001. [PMID: 33778096 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.8.2.027001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scan provides high-resolution three-dimensional images of mineralized tissues in small animal models. Contrast enhancement is essential to visualize non-mineralized tissues with micro-CT scan. We attempted to compare the two most common contrast agents to stain and image mouse cardiac structures. Approach: Ex-vivo micro-CT scan images of the mouse hearts were obtained following staining by potassium iodide or phosphotungstic acid (PTA). PTA-stained samples were imaged after various durations following staining (14 days, 25 days, 187 days, and 780 days), whereas iodine-stained samples were imaged after 72 hours. We compared median staining intensity between PTA and iodine at 0.1-mm intervals from the edge using the Mann Whitney test with correction for multiple comparisons. Results: Sixty post-natal mice hearts were stained with either PTA or iodine and imaged using micro-CT scan. Iodine proved to be faster and more uniform in complete enhancement of cardiac tissue in as short as 72 h, whereas PTA required a significantly longer time period to penetrate mouse cardiac structure ( > 150 days ). Median staining intensity with iodine was strongly higher than that with PTA from 0.1- to 1.5-mm distance from the epicardial edge (2-tailed P value < 0.01 or lower throughout). Conclusions: Iodine-stained soft tissue imaging by micro-CT scan provides a non-destructive, efficient, and accurate visualization tool for anatomical analysis of animal heart models of human cardiovascular conditions. Iodine is more efficient compared to PTA to achieve complete murine myocardial staining in a significantly shorter time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata Doost
- Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Fiona Stanley Hospital, Cardiology Department, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Leonard Arnolda
- Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,University of Wollongong, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Wang N, White LE, Qi Y, Cofer G, Johnson GA. Cytoarchitecture of the mouse brain by high resolution diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. Neuroimage 2020; 216:116876. [PMID: 32344062 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MRI has been widely used to probe the neuroanatomy of the mouse brain, directly correlating MRI findings to histology is still challenging due to the limited spatial resolution and various image contrasts derived from water relaxation or diffusion properties. Magnetic resonance histology has the potential to become an indispensable research tool to mitigate such challenges. In the present study, we acquired high spatial resolution MRI datasets, including diffusion MRI (dMRI) at 25 μm isotropic resolution and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) at 21.5 μm isotropic resolution to validate with conventional mouse brain histology. Diffusion weighted images (DWIs) show better delineation of cortical layers and glomeruli in the olfactory bulb than fractional anisotropy (FA) maps. However, among all the image contrasts, including quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), T1/T2∗ images and DTI metrics, FA maps highlight unique laminar architecture in sub-regions of the hippocampus, including the strata of the dentate gyrus and CA fields of the hippocampus. The mean diffusivity (MD) and axial diffusivity (AD) yield higher correlation with DAPI (0.62 and 0.71) and NeuN (0.78 and 0.74) than with NF-160 (-0.34 and -0.49). The correlations between FA and DAPI, NeuN, and NF-160 are 0.31, -0.01, and -0.49, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that MRI at microscopic resolution deliver a three-dimensional, non-invasive and non-destructive platform for characterization of fine structural detail in both gray matter and white matter of the mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Wang
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Leonard E White
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yi Qi
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Gary Cofer
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - G Allan Johnson
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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16
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Castellan RFP, Thomson A, Moran CM, Gray GA. Electrocardiogram-gated Kilohertz Visualisation (EKV) Ultrasound Allows Assessment of Neonatal Cardiac Structural and Functional Maturation and Longitudinal Evaluation of Regeneration After Injury. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:167-179. [PMID: 31699549 PMCID: PMC6900752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The small size and high heart rate of the neonatal mouse heart makes structural and functional characterisation particularly challenging. Here, we describe application of electrocardiogram-gated kilohertz visualisation (EKV) ultrasound imaging with high spatio-temporal resolution to non-invasively characterise the post-natal mouse heart during normal growth and regeneration after injury. The 2-D images of the left ventricle (LV) acquired across the cardiac cycle from post-natal day 1 (P1) to P42 revealed significant changes in LV mass from P8 that coincided with a switch from hyperplastic to hypertrophic growth and correlated with ex vivo LV weight. Remodelling of the LV was indicated between P8 and P21 when LV mass and cardiomyocyte size increased with no accompanying change in LV wall thickness. Whereas Doppler imaging showed the expected switch from LV filling driven by atrial contraction to filling by LV relaxation during post-natal week 1, systolic function was retained at the same level from P1 to P42. EKV ultrasound imaging also revealed loss of systolic function after induction of myocardial infarction at P1 and regain of function associated with regeneration of the myocardium by P21. EKV ultrasound imaging thus offers a rapid and convenient method for routine non-invasive characterisation of the neonatal mouse heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael F P Castellan
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Adrian Thomson
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Edinburgh Imaging, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Carmel M Moran
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Edinburgh Imaging, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gillian A Gray
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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17
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Elmore SA, Kavari SL, Hoenerhoff MJ, Mahler B, Scott BE, Yabe K, Seely JC. Histology Atlas of the Developing Mouse Urinary System With Emphasis on Prenatal Days E10.5-E18.5. Toxicol Pathol 2019; 47:865-886. [PMID: 31599209 PMCID: PMC6814567 DOI: 10.1177/0192623319873871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract are some of the most common human developmental abnormalities. Several genetically engineered mouse models have been developed to mimic these abnormalities and aim to better understand the molecular mechanisms of disease. This atlas has been developed as an aid to pathologists and other biomedical scientists for identification of abnormalities in the developing murine urinary tract by cataloguing normal structures at each stage of development. Hematoxylin and eosin- and immunohistochemical-stained sections are provided, with a focus on E10.5-E18.5, as well as a brief discussion of postnatal events in urinary tract development. A section on abnormalities in the development of the urinary tract is also provided, and molecular mechanisms are presented as supplementary material. Additionally, overviews of the 2 key processes of kidney development, branching morphogenesis and nephrogenesis, are provided to aid in the understanding of the complex organogenesis of the kidney. One of the key findings of this atlas is the histological identification of the ureteric bud at E10.5, as previous literature has provided conflicting reports on the initial point of budding. Furthermore, attention is paid to points where murine development is significantly distinct from human development, namely, in the cessation of nephrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Elmore
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch, National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sanam L Kavari
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch, National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mark J Hoenerhoff
- In Vivo Animal Core, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Beth Mahler
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Koichi Yabe
- Pharmacovigilance Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co, Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - John C Seely
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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18
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Berkowitz BA, Romero R, Podolsky RH, Lins-Childers KM, Shen Y, Rosales T, Wadghiri YZ, Hoang DM, Arenas-Hernandez M, Garcia-Flores V, Schwenkel G, Panaitescu B, Gomez-Lopez N. QUEST MRI assessment of fetal brain oxidative stress in utero. Neuroimage 2019; 200:601-606. [PMID: 31158477 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.05.069] [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: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To achieve sufficient precision of R1 (=1/T1) maps of the fetal brain in utero to perform QUEnch-assiSTed (QUEST) MRI in which a significant anti-oxidant-induced reduction in R1 indicates oxidative stress. METHODS C57BL/6 mouse fetuses in utero were gently and non-surgically isolated and secured using a homemade 3D printed clip. Using a commercial receive-only surface coil, brain maps of R1, an index sensitive to excessive and continuous free radical production, were collected using either a conventional Cartesian or a non-Cartesian (periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction) progressive saturation sequence. Data were normalized to the shortest TR time to remove bias. To assess oxidative stress, brain R1 maps were acquired on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of preterm birth ± rosiglitazone (ROSI, which has anti-oxidant properties); phosphate buffered saline (PBS) controls ± ROSI were similarly studied. RESULTS Sufficient quality R1 maps were generated by a combination of the 3D printed clip, surface coil detection, non-Cartesian sequence, and normalization scheme ensuring minimal fetal movement, good detection sensitivity, reduced motion artifacts, and minimal baseline variations, respectively. In the LPS group, the combined caudate-putamen and thalamus region R1 was reduced (p < 0.05) with ROSI treatment consistent with brain oxidative stress; no evidence for oxidative stress was found in the pons region. In the PBS control group, brain R1's did not change with ROSI treatment. CONCLUSION The sensitivity and reproducibility of the combined approaches described herein enabled first-time demonstration of regional oxidative stress measurements of the fetal brain in utero using QUEST MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Berkowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA.
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, 20847, and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA; Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Robert H Podolsky
- Beaumont Research Institute, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan, 48073, USA
| | | | - Yimin Shen
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Tilman Rosales
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Youssef Zaim Wadghiri
- Department of Radiology, Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research (CAI2R), Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, NYU School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - D Minh Hoang
- Department of Radiology, Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research (CAI2R), Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, NYU School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Marcia Arenas-Hernandez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, 20847, and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, 20847, and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - George Schwenkel
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, 20847, and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Bogdan Panaitescu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, 20847, and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, 20847, and Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA.
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19
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Wang N, Zhang J, Cofer G, Qi Y, Anderson RJ, White LE, Allan Johnson G. Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging of mouse brain microstructure. Brain Struct Funct 2019; 224:1797-1813. [PMID: 31006072 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-019-01877-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Advanced biophysical models like neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) have been developed to estimate the microstructural complexity of voxels enriched in dendrites and axons for both in vivo and ex vivo studies. NODDI metrics derived from high spatial and angular resolution diffusion MRI using the fixed mouse brain as a reference template have not yet been reported due in part to the extremely long scan time required. In this study, we modified the three-dimensional diffusion-weighted spin-echo pulse sequence for multi-shell and undersampling acquisition to reduce the scan time. This allowed us to acquire several exhaustive datasets that would otherwise not be attainable. NODDI metrics were derived from a complex 8-shell diffusion (1000-8000 s/mm2) dataset with 384 diffusion gradient-encoding directions at 50 µm isotropic resolution. These provided a foundation for exploration of tradeoffs among acquisition parameters. A three-shell acquisition strategy covering low, medium, and high b values with at least angular resolution of 64 is essential for ex vivo NODDI experiments. The good agreement between neurite density index (NDI) and the orientation dispersion index (ODI) with the subsequent histochemical analysis of myelin and neuronal density highlights that NODDI could provide new insight into the microstructure of the brain. Furthermore, we found that NDI is sensitive to microstructural variations in the corpus callosum using a well-established demyelination cuprizone model. The study lays the ground work for developing protocols for routine use of high-resolution NODDI method in characterizing brain microstructure in mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Wang
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke Medical Center, Duke University, 3302, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Jieying Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Gary Cofer
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke Medical Center, Duke University, 3302, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Yi Qi
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke Medical Center, Duke University, 3302, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Robert J Anderson
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke Medical Center, Duke University, 3302, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Leonard E White
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - G Allan Johnson
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke Medical Center, Duke University, 3302, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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20
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Visualising the Cardiovascular System of Embryos of Biomedical Model Organisms with High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM). J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2018; 5:jcdd5040058. [PMID: 30558275 PMCID: PMC6306920 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd5040058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The article will briefly introduce the high-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) technique and will focus on its potential for researching cardiovascular development and remodelling in embryos of biomedical model organisms. It will demonstrate the capacity of HREM for analysing the cardiovascular system of normally developed and genetically or experimentally malformed zebrafish, frog, chick and mouse embryos in the context of the whole specimen and will exemplarily show the possibilities HREM offers for comprehensive visualisation of the vasculature of adult human skin. Finally, it will provide examples of the successful application of HREM for identifying cardiovascular malformations in genetically altered mouse embryos produced in the deciphering the mechanisms of developmental disorders (DMDD) program.
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21
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Wu YL, Lo CW. Diverse application of MRI for mouse phenotyping. Birth Defects Res 2017; 109:758-770. [PMID: 28544650 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Small animal models, particularly mouse models, of human diseases are becoming an indispensable tool for biomedical research. Studies in animal models have provided important insights into the etiology of diseases and accelerated the development of therapeutic strategies. Detailed phenotypic characterization is essential, both for the development of such animal models and mechanistic studies into disease pathogenesis and testing the efficacy of experimental therapeutics. MRI is a versatile and noninvasive imaging modality with excellent penetration depth, tissue coverage, and soft tissue contrast. MRI, being a multi-modal imaging modality, together with proven imaging protocols and availability of good contrast agents, is ideally suited for phenotyping mutant mouse models. Here we describe the applications of MRI for phenotyping structural birth defects involving the brain, heart, and kidney in mice. The versatility of MRI and its ease of use are well suited to meet the rapidly increasing demands for mouse phenotyping in the coming age of functional genomics. Birth Defects Research 109:758-770, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijen L Wu
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Rangos Research Center Animal Imaging Core, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Cecilia W Lo
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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22
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Elmore SA, Chen VS, Hayes-Bouknight S, Hoane JS, Janardhan K, Kooistra LH, Nolte T, Szabo KA, Willson GA, Wolf JC, Malarkey DE. Proceedings of the 2016 National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium. Toxicol Pathol 2016; 45:11-51. [PMID: 27821709 DOI: 10.1177/0192623316672074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The 2016 annual National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium, entitled "Pathology Potpourri" was held in San Diego, CA, at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology's (STP) 35th annual meeting. The goal of this symposium was to present and discuss challenging diagnostic pathology and/or nomenclature issues. This article presents summaries of the speakers' talks, along with select images that were used by the audience for voting and discussion. Some lesions and topics covered during the symposium included malignant glioma and histiocytic sarcoma in the rodent brain; a new statistical method designed for histopathology data evaluation; uterine stromal/glandular polyp in a rat; malignant plasma cell tumor in a mouse brain; Schwann cell proliferative lesions in rat hearts; axillary schwannoma in a cat; necrosis and granulomatous inflammation in a rat brain; adenoma/carcinoma in a rat adrenal gland; hepatocyte maturation defect and liver/spleen hematopoietic defects in an embryonic mouse; distinguishing malignant glioma, malignant mixed glioma, and malignant oligodendroglioma in the rat; comparison of mammary gland whole mounts and histopathology from mice; and discussion of the International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Elmore
- 1 National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vivian S Chen
- 2 Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Jessica S Hoane
- 2 Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas Nolte
- 4 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Ingelheim, Germany
| | | | - Gabrielle A Willson
- 5 Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Wolf
- 6 Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Sterling, Virginia, USA
| | - David E Malarkey
- 1 National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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23
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Gabbay-Benziv R, Reece EA, Wang F, Bar-Shir A, Harman C, Turan OM, Yang P, Turan S. A step-wise approach for analysis of the mouse embryonic heart using 17.6Tesla MRI. Magn Reson Imaging 2016; 35:46-53. [PMID: 27569369 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mouse embryo is ideal for studying human cardiac development. However, laboratory discoveries do not easily translate into clinical findings partially because of histological diagnostic techniques that induce artifacts and lack standardization. AIM To present a step-wise approach using 17.6T MRI, for evaluation of mice embryonic heart and accurate identification of congenital heart defects. SUBJECTS 17.5-embryonic days embryos from low-risk (non-diabetic) and high-risk (diabetic) model dams. STUDY DESIGN Embryos were imaged using 17.6Tesla MRI. Three-dimensional volumes were analyzed using ImageJ software. OUTCOME MEASURES Embryonic hearts were evaluated utilizing anatomic landmarks to locate the four-chamber view, the left- and right-outflow tracts, and the arrangement of the great arteries. Inter- and intra-observer agreement were calculated using kappa scores by comparing two researchers' evaluations independently analyzing all hearts, blinded to the model, on three different, timed occasions. Each evaluated 16 imaging volumes of 16 embryos: 4 embryos from normal dams, and 12 embryos from diabetic dams. RESULTS Inter-observer agreement and reproducibility were 0.779 (95% CI 0.653-0.905) and 0.763 (95% CI 0.605-0.921), respectively. Embryonic hearts were structurally normal in 4/4 and 7/12 embryos from normal and diabetic dams, respectively. Five embryos from diabetic dams had defects: ventricular septal defects (n=2), transposition of great arteries (n=2) and Tetralogy of Fallot (n=1). Both researchers identified all cardiac lesions. CONCLUSION A step-wise approach for analysis of MRI-derived 3D imaging provides reproducible detailed cardiac evaluation of normal and abnormal mice embryonic hearts. This approach can accurately reveal cardiac structure and, thus, increases the yield of animal model in congenital heart defect research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinat Gabbay-Benziv
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - E Albert Reece
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fang Wang
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amnon Bar-Shir
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chris Harman
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ozhan M Turan
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peixin Yang
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sifa Turan
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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24
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Wu D, Zhang J. Recent Progress in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Embryonic and Neonatal Mouse Brain. Front Neuroanat 2016; 10:18. [PMID: 26973471 PMCID: PMC4776397 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2016.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The laboratory mouse has been widely used as a model system to investigate the genetic control mechanisms of mammalian brain development. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool to characterize changes in brain anatomy in mutant mouse strains and injury progression in mouse models of fetal and neonatal brain injury. Progress in the last decade has enabled us to acquire MRI data with increasing anatomical details from the embryonic and neonatal mouse brain. High-resolution ex vivo MRI, especially with advanced diffusion MRI methods, can visualize complex microstructural organizations in the developing mouse brain. In vivo MRI of the embryonic mouse brain, which is critical for tracking anatomical changes longitudinally, has become available. Applications of these techniques may lead to further insights into the complex and dynamic processes of brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiangyang Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimore, MD, USA; Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University School of MedicineNew York, NY, USA
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25
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Abstract
The mouse is the mammalian model of choice for investigating cardiovascular biology, given our ability to manipulate it by genetic, pharmacologic, mechanical, and environmental means. Imaging is an important approach to phenotyping both function and structure of cardiac and vascular components. This review details commonly used imaging approaches, with a focus on echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging and brief overviews of other imaging modalities. We also briefly outline emerging imaging approaches but caution that reliability and validity data may be lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin K L Phoon
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Daniel H Turnbull
- Departments of Radiology and Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.,Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
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26
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Hallgrimsson B, Percival CJ, Green R, Young NM, Mio W, Marcucio R. Morphometrics, 3D Imaging, and Craniofacial Development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2015; 115:561-97. [PMID: 26589938 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown how volumetric imaging and morphometrics can add significantly to our understanding of morphogenesis, the developmental basis for variation, and the etiology of structural birth defects. On the other hand, the complex questions and diverse imaging data in developmental biology present morphometrics with more complex challenges than applications in virtually any other field. Meeting these challenges is necessary in order to understand the mechanistic basis for variation in complex morphologies. This chapter reviews the methods and theory that enable the application of modern landmark-based morphometrics to developmental biology and craniofacial development, in particular. We discuss the theoretical foundations of morphometrics as applied to development and review the basic approaches to the quantification of morphology. Focusing on geometric morphometrics, we discuss the principal statistical methods for quantifying and comparing morphological variation and covariation structure within and among groups. Finally, we discuss the future directions for morphometrics in developmental biology that will be required for approaches that enable quantitative integration across the genotype-phenotype map.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Hallgrimsson
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, and McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Christopher J Percival
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, and McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rebecca Green
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, and McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nathan M Young
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco General Hospital, Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Washington Mio
- Department of Mathematics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Ralph Marcucio
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco General Hospital, Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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27
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Karunamuni G, Gu S, Doughman YQ, Noonan AI, Rollins AM, Jenkins MW, Watanabe M. Using optical coherence tomography to rapidly phenotype and quantify congenital heart defects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Dev Dyn 2015; 244:607-18. [PMID: 25546089 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most commonly used method to analyze congenital heart defects involves serial sectioning and histology. However, this is often a time-consuming process where the quantification of cardiac defects can be difficult due to problems with accurate section registration. Here we demonstrate the advantages of using optical coherence tomography, a comparatively new and rising technology, to phenotype avian embryo hearts in a model of fetal alcohol syndrome where a binge-like quantity of alcohol/ethanol was introduced at gastrulation. RESULTS The rapid, consistent imaging protocols allowed for the immediate identification of cardiac anomalies, including ventricular septal defects and misaligned/missing vessels. Interventricular septum thicknesses and vessel diameters for three of the five outflow arteries were also significantly reduced. Outflow and atrioventricular valves were segmented using image processing software and had significantly reduced volumes compared to controls. This is the first study to our knowledge that has 3D reconstructed the late-stage cardiac valves in precise detail to examine their morphology and dimensions. CONCLUSIONS We believe, therefore, that optical coherence tomography, with its ability to rapidly image and quantify tiny embryonic structures in high resolution, will serve as an excellent and cost-effective preliminary screening tool for developmental biologists working with a variety of experimental/disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganga Karunamuni
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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28
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Norris FC, Siow BM, Cleary JO, Wells JA, De Castro SC, Ordidge RJ, Greene ND, Copp AJ, Scambler PJ, Alexander DC, Lythgoe MF. Diffusion microscopic MRI of the mouse embryo: Protocol and practical implementation in the splotch mouse model. Magn Reson Med 2015; 73:731-9. [PMID: 24634098 PMCID: PMC4737188 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 01/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Advanced methodologies for visualizing novel tissue contrast are essential for phenotyping the ever-increasing number of mutant mouse embryos being generated. Although diffusion microscopic MRI (μMRI) has been used to phenotype embryos, widespread routine use is limited by extended scanning times, and there is no established experimental procedure ensuring optimal data acquisition. METHODS We developed two protocols for designing experimental procedures for diffusion μMRI of mouse embryos, which take into account the effect of embryo preparation and pulse sequence parameters on resulting data. We applied our protocols to an investigation of the splotch mouse model as an example implementation. RESULTS The protocols provide DTI data in 24 min per direction at 75 μm isotropic using a three-dimensional fast spin-echo sequence, enabling preliminary imaging in 3 h (6 directions plus one unweighted measurement), or detailed imaging in 9 h (42 directions plus six unweighted measurements). Application to the splotch model enabled assessment of spinal cord pathology. CONCLUSION We present guidelines for designing diffusion μMRI experiments, which may be adapted for different studies and research facilities. As they are suitable for routine use and may be readily implemented, we hope they will be adopted by the phenotyping community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca C. Norris
- UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of MedicineUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Mathematics and Physics in the Life Sciences and EXperimental Biology (CoMPLEX)University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Bernard M. Siow
- UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of MedicineUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Departments of Medical Physics and Bioengineering and Computer ScienceUniversity College LondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jon O. Cleary
- UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of MedicineUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Anatomy and NeuroscienceUniversity of MelbourneAustralia
| | - Jack A. Wells
- UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of MedicineUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Sandra C.P. De Castro
- Neural Development Unit, UCL Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Roger J. Ordidge
- Department of Anatomy and NeuroscienceUniversity of MelbourneAustralia
| | - Nicholas D.E. Greene
- Neural Development Unit, UCL Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Copp
- Neural Development Unit, UCL Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Scambler
- Molecular Medicine Unit, UCL Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Daniel. C. Alexander
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Departments of Medical Physics and Bioengineering and Computer ScienceUniversity College LondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mark F. Lythgoe
- UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of MedicineUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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29
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Wu D, Lei J, Rosenzweig JM, Burd I, Zhang J. In utero localized diffusion MRI of the embryonic mouse brain microstructure and injury. J Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 42:717-28. [PMID: 25537944 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop an in vivo diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) technique to study embryonic mouse brain structure and injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant CD-1 mice were examined on embryonic day 17 on an 11.7T scanner. Spatially selective excitation pulses were used to achieve localized imaging of individual mouse brains, in combination with a 3D fast imaging sequence to acquire dMRI at 0.16-0.2 mm isotropic resolution. Subject motions were corrected by navigator echoes and image registration. Further acceleration was achieved by simultaneous imaging of two embryos in an interleaved fashion. We applied this technique to detect embryonic brain injury in a mouse model of intrauterine inflammation. RESULTS With the localized imaging technique, we achieved in utero high-resolution T2 -weighted and dMRI of the embryonic mouse brain for the first time. Early embryonic brain structures were delineated from diffusion tensor images, and major white matter tracts were reconstructed in 3D. Comparison with ex vivo data showed significant changes in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), but mostly unchanged fractional anisotropy. In the inflammation-affected embryonic brains, ADC in the cortical regions was reduced at 6 hours after the injury, potentially caused by cellular edema. CONCLUSION The feasibility of in utero dMRI of embryonic mouse brains was demonstrated. The technique is important for noninvasive monitoring of embryonic mouse brain microstructure and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jun Lei
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason M Rosenzweig
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jiangyang Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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30
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In amnio MRI of mouse embryos. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109143. [PMID: 25330230 PMCID: PMC4198080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse embryo imaging is conventionally carried out on ex vivo embryos excised from the amniotic sac, omitting vital structures and abnormalities external to the body. Here, we present an in amnio MR imaging methodology in which the mouse embryo is retained in the amniotic sac and demonstrate how important embryonic structures can be visualised in 3D with high spatial resolution (100 µm/px). To illustrate the utility of in amnio imaging, we subsequently apply the technique to examine abnormal mouse embryos with abdominal wall defects. Mouse embryos at E17.5 were imaged and compared, including three normal phenotype embryos, an abnormal embryo with a clear exomphalos defect, and one with a suspected gastroschisis phenotype. Embryos were excised from the mother ensuring the amnion remained intact and stereo microscopy was performed. Embryos were next embedded in agarose for 3D, high resolution MRI on a 9.4T scanner. Identification of the abnormal embryo phenotypes was not possible using stereo microscopy or conventional ex vivo MRI. Using in amnio MRI, we determined that the abnormal embryos had an exomphalos phenotype with varying severities. In amnio MRI is ideally suited to investigate the complex relationship between embryo and amnion, together with screening for other abnormalities located outside of the mouse embryo, providing a valuable complement to histology and existing imaging methods available to the phenotyping community.
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31
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Phenotyping the central nervous system of the embryonic mouse by magnetic resonance microscopy. Neuroimage 2014; 97:95-106. [PMID: 24769183 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders are being massively generated, but technologies for their high-throughput phenotyping are missing. The potential of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for structural phenotyping has been demonstrated before. However, application to the embryonic mouse central nervous system has been limited by the insufficient anatomical detail. Here we present a method that combines staining of live embryos with a contrast agent together with MR microscopy after fixation, to provide unprecedented anatomical detail at relevant embryonic stages. By using this method we have phenotyped the embryonic forebrain of Robo1/2(-/-) double mutant mice enabling us to identify most of the well-known anatomical defects in these mutants, as well as novel more subtle alterations. We thus demonstrate the potential of this methodology for a fast and reliable screening of subtle structural abnormalities in the developing mouse brain, as those associated to defects in disease-susceptibility genes of neurologic and psychiatric relevance.
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32
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Lhuaire M, Martinez A, Kaplan H, Nuzillard JM, Renard Y, Tonnelet R, Braun M, Avisse C, Labrousse M. Human developmental anatomy: microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (μMRI) of four human embryos (from Carnegie Stage 10 to 20). Ann Anat 2014; 196:402-9. [PMID: 25107481 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Technological advances in the field of biological imaging now allow multi-modal studies of human embryo anatomy. The aim of this study was to assess the high magnetic field μMRI feasibility in the study of small human embryos (less than 21mm crown-rump) as a new tool for the study of human descriptive embryology and to determine better sequence characteristics to obtain higher spatial resolution and higher signal/noise ratio. METHODS Morphological study of four human embryos belonging to the historical collection of the Department of Anatomy in the Faculty of Medicine of Reims was undertaken by μMRI. These embryos had, successively, crown-rump lengths of 3mm (Carnegie Stage, CS 10), 12mm (CS 16), 17mm (CS 18) and 21mm (CS 20). Acquisition of images was performed using a vertical nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, a Bruker Avance III, 500MHz, 11.7T equipped for imaging. RESULTS All images were acquired using 2D (transverse, sagittal and coronal) and 3D sequences, either T1-weighted or T2-weighted. Spatial resolution between 24 and 70μm/pixel allowed clear visualization of all anatomical structures of the embryos. CONCLUSION The study of human embryos μMRI has already been reported in the literature and a few atlases exist for educational purposes. However, to our knowledge, descriptive or morphological studies of human developmental anatomy based on data collected these few μMRI studies of human embryos are rare. This morphological noninvasive imaging method coupled with other techniques already reported seems to offer new perspectives to descriptive studies of human embryology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Lhuaire
- Department of Anatomy, Faculté de Médecine de Reims, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France.
| | - Agathe Martinez
- Institute of Molecular Chemistry of Reims (ICMR), UMR CNRS 7312, UFR Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Hervé Kaplan
- Cellular and Tissular Imaging, Cell-Microenvironment Interactions (ICME) IFR 53, SFR Cap Santé, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie de Reims, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Jean-Marc Nuzillard
- Institute of Molecular Chemistry of Reims (ICMR), UMR CNRS 7312, UFR Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Yohann Renard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculté de Médecine de Reims, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Romain Tonnelet
- Department of Anatomy, Faculté de Médecine de Nancy, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy Brabois, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Imagerie Adaptative Diagnostique et Interventionnelle (IADI), INSERM U947, CHU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Marc Braun
- Department of Anatomy, Faculté de Médecine de Nancy, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy Brabois, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Imagerie Adaptative Diagnostique et Interventionnelle (IADI), INSERM U947, CHU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Claude Avisse
- Department of Anatomy, Faculté de Médecine de Reims, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Marc Labrousse
- Department of Anatomy, Faculté de Médecine de Reims, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France; Imagerie Adaptative Diagnostique et Interventionnelle (IADI), INSERM U947, CHU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Krishnamurthy U, Szalai G, Neelavalli J, Shen Y, Chaiworapongsa T, Hernandez-Andrade E, Than NG, Xu Z, Yeo L, Haacke M, Romero R. Quantitative T2 changes and susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in murine pregnancy. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2014; 78:33-40. [PMID: 24861575 PMCID: PMC4119876 DOI: 10.1159/000362552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate gestational age-dependent changes in the T2 relaxation time in normal murine placentas in vivo. The role of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in visualization of the murine fetal anatomy was also elucidated. METHODS Timed-pregnant CD-1 mice at gestational day (GD) 12 and GD17 underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Multi-echo spin echo and SWI data were acquired. The placental T2 values on GD12 and GD17 were quantified. To account for the influence of systemic maternal physiological factors on placental perfusion, maternal muscle was used as a reference for T2 normalization. A linear mixed-effects model was used to fit the normalized T2 values, and the significance of the coefficients was tested. Fetal SWI images were processed and reviewed for venous vasculature and skeletal structures. RESULTS The average placental T2 value decreased significantly on GD17 (40.17 ± 4.10 ms) compared to the value on GD12 (55.78 ± 8.13 ms). The difference in normalized T2 values also remained significant (p = 0.001). Using SWI, major fetal venous structures like the cardinal vein, the subcardinal vein, and the portal vein were visualized on GD12. In addition, fetal skeletal structures could also be discerned on GD17. CONCLUSION The T2 value of a normal murine placenta decreases with advancing gestation. SWI provided clear visualization of the fetal venous vasculature and bony structures. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uday Krishnamurthy
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Mich., USA
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Liu X, Tobita K, Francis RJB, Lo CW. Imaging techniques for visualizing and phenotyping congenital heart defects in murine models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 99:93-105. [PMID: 23897594 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mouse model is ideal for investigating the genetic and developmental etiology of congenital heart disease. However, cardiovascular phenotyping for the precise diagnosis of structural heart defects in mice remain challenging. With rapid advances in imaging techniques, there are now high throughput phenotyping tools available for the diagnosis of structural heart defects. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of four different imaging modalities for congenital heart disease diagnosis in fetal/neonatal mice, including noninvasive fetal echocardiography, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), micro-magnetic resonance imaging (micro-MRI), and episcopic fluorescence image capture (EFIC) histopathology. The experience we have gained in the use of these imaging modalities in a large-scale mouse mutagenesis screen have validated their efficacy for congenital heart defect diagnosis in the tiny hearts of fetal and newborn mice. These cutting edge phenotyping tools will be invaluable for furthering our understanding of the developmental etiology of congenital heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Liu
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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35
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Seki F, Hikishima K, Nambu S, Okanoya K, Okano HJ, Sasaki E, Miura K, Okano H. Multidimensional MRI-CT atlas of the naked mole-rat brain (Heterocephalus glaber). Front Neuroanat 2013; 7:45. [PMID: 24391551 PMCID: PMC3868886 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2013.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Naked mole-rats have a variety of distinctive features such as the organization of a hierarchical society (known as eusociality), extraordinary longevity, and cancer resistance; thus, it would be worthwhile investigating these animals in detail. One important task is the preparation of a brain atlas database that provide comprehensive information containing multidimensional data with various image contrasts, which can be achievable using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Advanced MRI techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which generates high contrast images of fiber structures, can characterize unique morphological properties in addition to conventional MRI. To obtain high spatial resolution images, MR histology, DTI, and X-ray computed tomography were performed on the fixed adult brain. Skull and brain structures were segmented as well as reconstructed in stereotaxic coordinates. Data were also acquired for the neonatal brain to allow developmental changes to be observed. Moreover, in vivo imaging of naked mole-rats was established as an evaluation tool of live animals. The data obtained comprised three-dimensional (3D) images with high tissue contrast as well as stereotaxic coordinates. Developmental differences in the visual system were highlighted in particular by DTI. Although it was difficult to delineate optic nerves in the mature adult brain, parts of them could be distinguished in the immature neonatal brain. From observation of cortical thickness, possibility of high somatosensory system development replaced to the visual system was indicated. 3D visualization of brain structures in the atlas as well as the establishment of in vivo imaging would promote neuroimaging researches towards detection of novel characteristics of eusocial naked mole-rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiko Seki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo, Japan ; Central Institute for Experimental Animals Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Keigo Hikishima
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo, Japan ; Central Institute for Experimental Animals Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sanae Nambu
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Brain Science Institute Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuo Okanoya
- Japan Science and Technology Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology Okanoya Emotional Information Project Saitama, Japan ; Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka J Okano
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Erika Sasaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo, Japan ; Central Institute for Experimental Animals Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kyoko Miura
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo, Japan ; Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Saitama, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo, Japan ; Riken Keio University Joint Research Laboratory, RIKEN Brain Science Institute Saitama, Japan
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36
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Norris FC, Wong MD, Greene NDE, Scambler PJ, Weaver T, Weninger WJ, Mohun TJ, Henkelman RM, Lythgoe MF. A coming of age: advanced imaging technologies for characterising the developing mouse. Trends Genet 2013; 29:700-11. [PMID: 24035368 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The immense challenge of annotating the entire mouse genome has stimulated the development of cutting-edge imaging technologies in a drive for novel information. These techniques promise to improve understanding of the genes involved in embryo development, at least one third of which have been shown to be essential. Aligning advanced imaging technologies with biological needs will be fundamental to maximising the number of phenotypes discovered in the coming years. International efforts are underway to meet this challenge through an integrated and sophisticated approach to embryo phenotyping. We review rapid advances made in the imaging field over the past decade and provide a comprehensive examination of the relative merits of current and emerging techniques. The aim of this review is to provide a guide to state-of-the-art embryo imaging that will enable informed decisions as to which technology to use and fuel conversations between expert imaging laboratories, researchers, and core mouse production facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca C Norris
- University College London (UCL) Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of Medicine, UCL, London, UK; Centre for Mathematics and Physics in the Life Sciences and Experimental Biology (CoMPLEX), UCL, London, UK
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37
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Tahara R, Larsson HCE. Quantitative analysis of microscopic X-ray computed tomography imaging: Japanese quail embryonic soft tissues with iodine staining. J Anat 2013; 223:297-310. [PMID: 23869493 PMCID: PMC3972050 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid three-dimensional imaging of embryos to better understand the complex process of morphogenesis has been challenging. Recently introduced iodine staining protocols (I2 KI and alcoholic iodine stains) combined with microscopic X-ray computed tomography allows visualization of soft tissues in diverse small organisms and tissue specimens. I2 KI protocols have been developed specifically for small animals, with a limited number of quantitative studies of soft tissue contrasts. To take full advantage of the low X-ray attenuation of ethanol and retain bound iodine while dehydrating the specimen in ethanol, we developed an ethanol I2 KI protocol. We present comparative microscopic X-ray computed tomography analyses of ethanol I2 KI and I2 KI staining protocols to assess the performance of this new protocol to visualize soft tissue anatomy in late stage Japanese quail embryos using quantitative measurements of soft tissue contrasts and sample shrinkage. Both protocols had only 5% shrinkage compared with the original harvested specimen, supporting the use of whole mounts to minimize tissue shrinkage effects. Discrimination within and among the selected organs with each staining protocol and microscopic X-ray computed tomography imaging were comparable to those of a gray scale histological section. Tissue discrimination was assessed using calibrated computed tomography values and a new discrimination index to quantify the degree of computed tomography value overlaps between selected soft tissue regions. Tissue contrasts were dependent on the depth of the tissue within the embryos before the embryos were saturated with each stain solution, and optimal stain saturations for the entire embryo were achieved at 14 and 28 days staining for I2 KI and ethanol I2 KI, respectively. Ethanol I2 KI provided superior soft tissue contrasts by reducing overstaining of fluid-filled spaces and differentially modulating staining of some tissues, such as bronchial and esophageal walls and spinal cord. Delineating the selected soft tissues using optimal threshold ranges derived from the quantitative analyses of the contrast enhancement in optimally stained embryos is possible. The protocols presented here are expected to be applicable to other organisms with modifications to staining time and contribute toward rapid and more efficient segmentation of soft tissues for three-dimensional visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tahara
- Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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38
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Gregg CL, Butcher JT. Translational paradigms in scientific and clinical imaging of cardiac development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 99:106-20. [PMID: 23897595 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most prevalent congenital disease, with 45% of deaths resulting from a congenital defect due to a cardiac malformation. Clinically significant CHD permit survival upon birth, but may become immediately life threatening. Advances in surgical intervention have significantly reduced perinatal mortality, but the outcome for many malformations is bleak. Furthermore, patients living while tolerating a CHD often acquire additional complications due to the long-term systemic blood flow changes caused by even subtle anatomical abnormalities. Accurate diagnosis of defects during fetal development is critical for interventional planning and improving patient outcomes. Advances in quantitative, multidimensional imaging are necessary to uncover the basic scientific and clinically relevant morphogenetic changes and associated hemodynamic consequences influencing normal and abnormal heart development. Ultrasound is the most widely used clinical imaging technology for assessing fetal cardiac development. Ultrasound-based fetal assessment modalities include motion mode (M-mode), two dimensional (2D), and 3D/4D imaging. These datasets can be combined with computational fluid dynamics analysis to yield quantitative, volumetric, and physiological data. Additional imaging modalities, however, are available to study basic mechanisms of cardiogenesis, including optical coherence tomography, microcomputed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Each imaging technology has its advantages and disadvantages regarding resolution, depth of penetration, soft tissue contrast considerations, and cost. In this review, we analyze the current clinical and scientific imaging technologies, research studies utilizing them, and appropriate animal models reflecting clinically relevant cardiogenesis and cardiac malformations. We conclude with discussing the translational impact and future opportunities for cardiovascular development imaging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L Gregg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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39
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In vivo high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging of the mouse brain. Neuroimage 2013; 83:18-26. [PMID: 23769916 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the laboratory mouse brain provides important macroscopic information for anatomical characterization of mouse models in basic research. Currently, in vivo DTI of the mouse brain is often limited by the available resolution. In this study, we demonstrate in vivo high-resolution DTI of the mouse brain using a cryogenic probe and a modified diffusion-weighted gradient and spin echo (GRASE) imaging sequence at 11.7 T. Three-dimensional (3D) DTI of the entire mouse brain at 0.125 mm isotropic resolution could be obtained in approximately 2 h. The high spatial resolution, which was previously only available with ex vivo imaging, enabled non-invasive examination of small structures in the adult and neonatal mouse brains. Based on data acquired from eight adult mice, a group-averaged DTI atlas of the in vivo adult mouse brain with 60 structure segmentations was developed. Comparisons between in vivo and ex vivo mouse brain DTI data showed significant differences in brain morphology and tissue contrasts, which indicate the importance of the in vivo DTI-based mouse brain atlas.
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40
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Xue S, Qiao J, Pu F, Cameron M, Yang JJ. Design of a novel class of protein-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents for the molecular imaging of cancer biomarkers. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2013; 5:163-79. [PMID: 23335551 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of disease biomarkers, especially cancer biomarkers, could potentially improve our understanding of the disease and drug activity during preclinical and clinical drug treatment and patient stratification. MRI contrast agents with high relaxivity and targeting capability to tumor biomarkers are highly required. Extensive work has been done to develop MRI contrast agents. However, only a few limited literatures report that protein residues can function as ligands to bind Gd(3+) with high binding affinity, selectivity, and relaxivity. In this paper, we focus on reporting our current progress on designing a novel class of protein-based Gd(3+) MRI contrast agents (ProCAs) equipped with several desirable capabilities for in vivo application of MRI of tumor biomarkers. We will first discuss our strategy for improving the relaxivity by a novel protein-based design. We then discuss the effect of increased relaxivity of ProCAs on improving the detection limits for MRI contrast agent, especially for in vivo application. We will further report our efforts to improve in vivo imaging capability and our achievement in molecular imaging of cancer biomarkers with potential preclinical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Xue
- Departments of Chemistry and Biology, Center for Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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41
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Hikishima K, Sawada K, Murayama A, Komaki Y, Kawai K, Sato N, Inoue T, Itoh T, Momoshima S, Iriki A, Okano H, Sasaki E, Okano H. Atlas of the developing brain of the marmoset monkey constructed using magnetic resonance histology. Neuroscience 2013; 230:102-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Calabrese E, Johnson GA, Watson C. An ontology-based segmentation scheme for tracking postnatal changes in the developing rodent brain with MRI. Neuroimage 2012; 67:375-84. [PMID: 23246176 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Revised: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The postnatal period of neurodevelopment has been implicated in a number of brain disorders including autism and schizophrenia. Rodent models have proven to be invaluable in advancing our understanding of the human brain, and will almost certainly play a pivotal role in future studies on postnatal neurodevelopment. The growing field of magnetic resonance microscopy has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of neurodevelopment, if it can be successfully and appropriately assimilated into the vast body of existing neuroscience research. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of a developmental neuro-ontology designed specifically for tracking regional changes in MR biomarkers throughout postnatal neurodevelopment. Using this ontological classification as a segmentation guide, we track regional changes in brain volume in rats between postnatal day zero and postnatal day 80 and demonstrate differential growth rates in axial versus paraxial brain regions. Both the ontology and the associated label volumes are provided as a foundation for future MR-based studies of postnatal neurodevelopment in normal and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Calabrese
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Box 3302 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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43
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Norris FC, Betts-Henderson J, Wells JA, Cleary JO, Siow BM, Walker-Samuel S, McCue K, Salomoni P, Scambler PJ, Lythgoe MF. Enhanced tissue differentiation in the developing mouse brain using magnetic resonance micro-histology. Magn Reson Med 2012; 70:1380-8. [DOI: 10.1002/mrm.24573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2012] [Revised: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca C. Norris
- Department of Medicine and UCL Institute of Child Health; Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging; University College London; UK
- Centre for Mathematics and Physics in the Life Sciences and EXperimental Biology (CoMPLEX); University College London; UK
| | | | - Jack A. Wells
- Department of Medicine and UCL Institute of Child Health; Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging; University College London; UK
| | - Jon O. Cleary
- Department of Medicine and UCL Institute of Child Health; Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging; University College London; UK
- Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering; University College London; UK
| | - Bernard M. Siow
- Department of Medicine and UCL Institute of Child Health; Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging; University College London; UK
- Departments of Medical Physics and Bioengineering and Computer Science; Centre for Medical Image Computing; University College London; UK
| | - Simon Walker-Samuel
- Department of Medicine and UCL Institute of Child Health; Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging; University College London; UK
| | - Karen McCue
- Molecular Medicine Unit; UCL Institute of Child Health; University College London; UK
| | - Paolo Salomoni
- Samantha Dickson Brain Cancer Unit; UCL Cancer Institute; London UK
| | - Peter J. Scambler
- Molecular Medicine Unit; UCL Institute of Child Health; University College London; UK
| | - Mark F. Lythgoe
- Department of Medicine and UCL Institute of Child Health; Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging; University College London; UK
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44
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Gregg CL, Butcher JT. Quantitative in vivo imaging of embryonic development: opportunities and challenges. Differentiation 2012; 84:149-62. [PMID: 22695188 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2012.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Animal models are critically important for a mechanistic understanding of embryonic morphogenesis. For decades, visualizing these rapid and complex multidimensional events has relied on projection images and thin section reconstructions. While much insight has been gained, fixed tissue specimens offer limited information on dynamic processes that are essential for tissue assembly and organ patterning. Quantitative imaging is required to unlock the important basic science and clinically relevant secrets that remain hidden. Recent advances in live imaging technology have enabled quantitative longitudinal analysis of embryonic morphogenesis at multiple length and time scales. Four different imaging modalities are currently being used to monitor embryonic morphogenesis: optical, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Each has its advantages and limitations with respect to spatial resolution, depth of field, scanning speed, and tissue contrast. In addition, new processing tools have been developed to enhance live imaging capabilities. In this review, we analyze each type of imaging source and its use in quantitative study of embryonic morphogenesis in small animal models. We describe the physics behind their function, identify some examples in which the modality has revealed new quantitative insights, and then conclude with a discussion of new research directions with live imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L Gregg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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45
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Norris FC, Modat M, Cleary JO, Price AN, McCue K, Scambler PJ, Ourselin S, Lythgoe MF. Segmentation propagation using a 3D embryo atlas for high-throughput MRI phenotyping: comparison and validation with manual segmentation. Magn Reson Med 2012; 69:877-83. [PMID: 22556102 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.24306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Revised: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Effective methods for high-throughput screening and morphometric analysis are crucial for phenotyping the increasing number of mouse mutants that are being generated. Automated segmentation propagation for embryo phenotyping is an emerging application that enables noninvasive and rapid quantification of substructure volumetric data for morphometric analysis. We present a study to assess and validate the accuracy of brain and kidney volumes generated via segmentation propagation in an ex vivo mouse embryo MRI atlas comprising three different groups against the current "gold standard"--manual segmentation. Morphometric assessment showed good agreement between automatically and manually segmented volumes, demonstrating that it is possible to assess volumes for phenotyping a population of embryos using segmentation propagation with the same variation as manual segmentation. As part of this study, we have made our average atlas and segmented volumes freely available to the community for use in mouse embryo phenotyping studies. These MRI datasets and automated methods of analyses will be essential for meeting the challenge of high-throughput, automated embryo phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca C Norris
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Department of Medicine and UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Golden HB, Sunder S, Liu Y, Peng X, Dostal DE. In utero assessment of cardiovascular function in the embryonic mouse heart using high-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 843:245-63. [PMID: 22222538 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-523-7_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Murine models are currently the preferred approach for studying the molecular mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction resulting from changes in gene expression. Transgenic and gene-targeting methods can be used to generate mice with altered cardiac size and function, and as a result, in vivo techniques are indispensible in evaluating cardiac phenotype. Traditionally, the pathologic assessment of sacrificed hearts was used to study cardiac pathophysiology in small animals. Below we describe the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy-Doppler analysis to temporally assess cardiac function in mouse embryos. Methods are described for obtaining 2D, pulsed-wave Doppler, and M-mode imaging using standard clinical cardiac ultrasound imaging planes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honey B Golden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Cardiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
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47
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Berquist RM, Gledhill KM, Peterson MW, Doan AH, Baxter GT, Yopak KE, Kang N, Walker HJ, Hastings PA, Frank LR. The Digital Fish Library: using MRI to digitize, database, and document the morphological diversity of fish. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34499. [PMID: 22493695 PMCID: PMC3321017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Museum fish collections possess a wealth of anatomical and morphological data that are essential for documenting and understanding biodiversity. Obtaining access to specimens for research, however, is not always practical and frequently conflicts with the need to maintain the physical integrity of specimens and the collection as a whole. Non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) digital imaging therefore serves a critical role in facilitating the digitization of these specimens for anatomical and morphological analysis as well as facilitating an efficient method for online storage and sharing of this imaging data. Here we describe the development of the Digital Fish Library (DFL, http://www.digitalfishlibrary.org), an online digital archive of high-resolution, high-contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the soft tissue anatomy of an array of fishes preserved in the Marine Vertebrate Collection of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. We have imaged and uploaded MRI data for over 300 marine and freshwater species, developed a data archival and retrieval system with a web-based image analysis and visualization tool, and integrated these into the public DFL website to disseminate data and associated metadata freely over the web. We show that MRI is a rapid and powerful method for accurately depicting the in-situ soft-tissue anatomy of preserved fishes in sufficient detail for large-scale comparative digital morphology. However these 3D volumetric data require a sophisticated computational and archival infrastructure in order to be broadly accessible to researchers and educators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Berquist
- Center for Scientific Computation in Imaging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Kristen M. Gledhill
- Center for Scientific Computation in Imaging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Matthew W. Peterson
- Center for Scientific Computation in Imaging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Allyson H. Doan
- Center for Scientific Computation in Imaging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Gregory T. Baxter
- Center for Scientific Computation in Imaging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Kara E. Yopak
- Center for Scientific Computation in Imaging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ning Kang
- Center for Scientific Computation in Imaging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - H. J. Walker
- Marine Vertebrate Collection and Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Philip A. Hastings
- Marine Vertebrate Collection and Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Lawrence R. Frank
- Center for Scientific Computation in Imaging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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48
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Cole-Jeffrey CT, Terada R, Neth MR, Wessels A, Kasahara H. Progressive anatomical closure of foramen ovale in normal neonatal mouse hearts. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2012; 295:764-8. [PMID: 22354769 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Revised: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In the prenatal heart, right-to-left atrial shunting of blood through the foramen ovale is essential for proper circulation. After birth, as the pulmonary circulation is established, the foramen ovale functionally closes as a result of changes in the relative pressure of the two atrial chambers, ensuring the separation of oxygen depleted venous blood in the right atrium from the oxygenated blood entering the left atrium. Little is known regarding the process of anatomical closure of the foramen ovale in the postnatal heart. Genetically engineered mouse models are powerful tools to study heart development and to reveal mechanisms underlying cardiac anomalies, including defects in atrioventricular septation. Using three-dimensional reconstructions of serial sectioned hearts at early postnatal Days 2-7, we show a progressive reduction in the size of the interatrial communication throughout this period and complete closure by postnatal Day 7. Furthermore we demonstrate that fusion of the septum primum and septum secundum occurs between 4 weeks and 3 months of age. This study provides a standard timeline for morphological closure of the right-left atrial communication and fusion between the atrial septa in normal mouse hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen T Cole-Jeffrey
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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49
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Abstract
A phase-contrast X-ray microtomography system using the Talbot imaging has been built at the SPring-8 synchrotron radiation facility. This system has much higher density resolution than absorption-based X-ray microtomography. The tomographic sections of formalin-fixed mouse fetuses obtained with this method clearly depict various organs without any staining at a pixel resolution of up to 5 µm. Since this technique allows us to obtain three-dimensional structural information without sectioning, it will be particularly useful to examine anomalies that take place during development. It can be also used to quantitatively measure volume and mass of organs during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Hoshino
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute , SPring-8, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5198 , Japan
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50
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Ward JM, Elmore SA, Foley JF. Pathology methods for the evaluation of embryonic and perinatal developmental defects and lethality in genetically engineered mice. Vet Pathol 2011; 49:71-84. [PMID: 22146849 DOI: 10.1177/0300985811429811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The normal embryonic development of organs and other tissues in mice and all species is preprogrammed by genes. Inactivation of a gene involved in any stage of normal embryonic development can have severe consequences leading to embryonic or postnatal developmental defects and lethality. Pathology methods are reviewed for evaluating normal and abnormal placenta and embryo, especially after E12.5. These methods include pathology protocols for necropsy and histopathology in addition to references that will provide additional knowledge for embryo assessment including histology atlases and advanced embryo imaging techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Ward
- Global VetPathology, Montgomery Village, MD 20886, USA.
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