1
|
Dullin C, Larsson E, Tromba G, Markus AM, Alves F. Phase-contrast computed tomography for quantification of structural changes in lungs of asthma mouse models of different severity. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2015; 22:1106-11. [PMID: 26134818 PMCID: PMC4489538 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577515006177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Lung imaging in mouse disease models is crucial for the assessment of the severity of airway disease but remains challenging due to the small size and the high porosity of the organ. Synchrotron inline free-propagation phase-contrast computed tomography (CT) with its intrinsic high soft-tissue contrast provides the necessary sensitivity and spatial resolution to analyse the mouse lung structure in great detail. Here, this technique has been applied in combination with single-distance phase retrieval to quantify alterations of the lung structure in experimental asthma mouse models of different severity. In order to mimic an in vivo situation as close as possible, the lungs were inflated with air at a constant physiological pressure. Entire mice were embedded in agarose gel and imaged using inline free-propagation phase-contrast CT at the SYRMEP beamline (Synchrotron Light Source, `Elettra', Trieste, Italy). The quantification of the obtained phase-contrast CT data sets revealed an increasing lung soft-tissue content in mice correlating with the degree of the severity of experimental allergic airways disease. In this way, it was possible to successfully discriminate between healthy controls and mice with either mild or severe allergic airway disease. It is believed that this approach may have the potential to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies that target airway remodelling processes in asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dullin
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, Goettingen, Lower Saxony 37075, Germany
| | - Emanuel Larsson
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14, km 163,5 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza (Trieste) 34149, Italy
- Department of Architecture and Engineering, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linkoeping University, SE-581 83 Linkoeping, Sweden
| | - Giuliana Tromba
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14, km 163,5 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza (Trieste) 34149, Italy
| | - Andrea M. Markus
- Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, Goettingen, Lower Saxony 37075, Germany
| | - Frauke Alves
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, Goettingen, Lower Saxony 37075, Germany
- Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, Goettingen, Lower Saxony 37075, Germany
- Department of Molecular Biology of Neuronal Signals, Max Planck Institut for Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Strasse 3, Goettingen, Lower Saxony 37075, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dullin C, dal Monego S, Larsson E, Mohammadi S, Krenkel M, Garrovo C, Biffi S, Lorenzon A, Markus A, Napp J, Salditt T, Accardo A, Alves F, Tromba G. Functionalized synchrotron in-line phase-contrast computed tomography: a novel approach for simultaneous quantification of structural alterations and localization of barium-labelled alveolar macrophages within mouse lung samples. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2015; 22:143-55. [PMID: 25537601 PMCID: PMC4294027 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577514021730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Functionalized computed tomography (CT) in combination with labelled cells is virtually non-existent due to the limited sensitivity of X-ray-absorption-based imaging, but would be highly desirable to realise cell tracking studies in entire organisms. In this study we applied in-line free propagation X-ray phase-contrast CT (XPCT) in an allergic asthma mouse model to assess structural changes as well as the biodistribution of barium-labelled macrophages in lung tissue. Alveolar macrophages that were barium-sulfate-loaded and fluorescent-labelled were instilled intratracheally into asthmatic and control mice. Mice were sacrificed after 24 h, lungs were kept in situ, inflated with air and scanned utilizing XPCT at the SYRMEP beamline (Elettra Synchrotron Light Source, Italy). Single-distance phase retrieval was used to generate data sets with ten times greater contrast-to-noise ratio than absorption-based CT (in our setup), thus allowing to depict and quantify structural hallmarks of asthmatic lungs such as reduced air volume, obstruction of airways and increased soft-tissue content. Furthermore, we found a higher concentration as well as a specific accumulation of the barium-labelled macrophages in asthmatic lung tissue. It is believe that XPCT will be beneficial in preclinical asthma research for both the assessment of therapeutic response as well as the analysis of the role of the recruitment of macrophages to inflammatory sites.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Algorithms
- Allergens/toxicity
- Animals
- Asthma/chemically induced
- Asthma/diagnostic imaging
- Asthma/pathology
- Barium Sulfate/pharmacokinetics
- Cell Line, Transformed
- Cell Movement
- Contrast Media/pharmacokinetics
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
- Imaging, Three-Dimensional
- Lung/cytology
- Lung/diagnostic imaging
- Macrophages, Alveolar/diagnostic imaging
- Macrophages, Alveolar/physiology
- Macrophages, Alveolar/transplantation
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Ovalbumin/immunology
- Ovalbumin/toxicity
- Synchrotrons
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed/instrumentation
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dullin
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Emanuel Larsson
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14, km 163.5 in AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza (Trieste), Italy
- Department of Architecture and Engineering, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linkoeping, Sweden
| | - Sara Mohammadi
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14, km 163.5 in AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza (Trieste), Italy
| | - Martin Krenkel
- Institute for X-ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Chiara Garrovo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefania Biffi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Lorenzon
- Cluster in Biomedicine, AREA Science Park Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Markus
- Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joanna Napp
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Molecular Biology of Neuronal Signals, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Strasse 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tim Salditt
- Institute for X-ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Agostino Accardo
- Department of Architecture and Engineering, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Frauke Alves
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Molecular Biology of Neuronal Signals, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Strasse 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Giuliana Tromba
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14, km 163.5 in AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza (Trieste), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Milne S, King GG. Advanced imaging in COPD: insights into pulmonary pathophysiology. J Thorac Dis 2014; 6:1570-85. [PMID: 25478198 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2014.11.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves a complex interaction of structural and functional abnormalities. The two have long been studied in isolation. However, advanced imaging techniques allow us to simultaneously assess pathological processes and their physiological consequences. This review gives a comprehensive account of the various advanced imaging modalities used to study COPD, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the nuclear medicine techniques positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Some more recent developments in imaging technology, including micro-CT, synchrotron imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electrical impedance tomography (EIT), are also described. The authors identify the pathophysiological insights gained from these techniques, and speculate on the future role of advanced imaging in both clinical and research settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Milne
- 1 The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe, Sydney NSW 2037, Australia ; 2 Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia ; 3 Northern and Central Clinical Schools, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia ; 4 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Gregory G King
- 1 The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe, Sydney NSW 2037, Australia ; 2 Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia ; 3 Northern and Central Clinical Schools, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia ; 4 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lovric G, Barré SF, Schittny JC, Roth-Kleiner M, Stampanoni M, Mokso R. Dose optimization approach to fast X-ray microtomography of the lung alveoli. J Appl Crystallogr 2013; 46:856-860. [PMID: 24046488 PMCID: PMC3769076 DOI: 10.1107/s0021889813005591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A basic prerequisite for in vivo X-ray imaging of the lung is the exact determination of radiation dose. Achieving resolutions of the order of micrometres may become particularly challenging owing to increased dose, which in the worst case can be lethal for the imaged animal model. A framework for linking image quality to radiation dose in order to optimize experimental parameters with respect to dose reduction is presented. The approach may find application for current and future in vivo studies to facilitate proper experiment planning and radiation risk assessment on the one hand and exploit imaging capabilities on the other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goran Lovric
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5234 Villigen, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien F. Barré
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Matthias Roth-Kleiner
- Clinic of Neonatology, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stampanoni
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5234 Villigen, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rajmund Mokso
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5234 Villigen, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang L, Li X, Wu M, Zhang L, Luo S. A sparse-projection computed tomography reconstruction method for in vivo application of in-line phase-contrast imaging. Biomed Eng Online 2013; 12:75. [PMID: 23898866 PMCID: PMC3750831 DOI: 10.1186/1475-925x-12-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, X-ray phase-contrast imaging techniques have been extensively studied to visualize weakly absorbing objects. One of the most popular methods for phase-contrast imaging is in-line phase-contrast imaging (ILPCI). Combined with computed tomography (CT), phase-contrast CT can produce 3D volumetric images of samples. To date, the most common reconstruction method for phase-contrast X-ray CT imaging has been filtered back projection (FBP). However, because of the impact of respiration, lung slices cannot be reconstructed in vivo for a mouse using this method. Methods for reducing the radiation dose and the sampling time must also be considered. Methods This paper proposes a novel method of in vivo mouse lung in-line phase-contrast imaging that has two primary improvements compared with recent methods: 1) using a compressed sensing (CS) theory-based CT reconstruction method for the in vivo in-line phase-contrast imaging application and 2) using the breathing phase extraction method to address the lung and rib cage movement caused by a live mouse’s breathing. Results Experiments were performed to test the breathing phase extraction method as applied to the lung and rib cage movement of a live mouse. Results with a live mouse specimen demonstrate that our method can reconstruct images of in vivo mouse lung. Conclusions The results demonstrate that our method could deal with vivo mouse’s breathing and movements, meanwhile, using less sampling data than FBP while maintaining the same high quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liting Wang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, You An Men, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sera T, Yokota H, Tanaka G, Uesugi K, Yagi N, Schroter RC. Murine pulmonary acinar mechanics during quasi-static inflation using synchrotron refraction-enhanced computed tomography. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2013; 115:219-28. [PMID: 23661619 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01105.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We visualized pulmonary acini in the core regions of the mouse lung in situ using synchrotron refraction-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and evaluated their kinematics during quasi-static inflation. This CT system (with a cube voxel of 2.8 μm) allows excellent visualization of not just the conducting airways, but also the alveolar ducts and sacs, and tracking of the acinar shape and its deformation during inflation. The kinematics of individual alveoli and alveolar clusters with a group of terminal alveoli is influenced not only by the connecting alveolar duct and alveoli, but also by the neighboring structures. Acinar volume was not a linear function of lung volume. The alveolar duct diameter changed dramatically during inflation at low pressures and remained relatively constant above an airway pressure of ∼8 cmH2O during inflation. The ratio of acinar surface area to acinar volume indicates that acinar distension during low-pressure inflation differed from that during inflation over a higher pressure range; in particular, acinar deformation was accordion-like during low-pressure inflation. These results indicated that the alveoli and duct expand differently as total acinar volume increases and that the alveolar duct may expand predominantly during low-pressure inflation. Our findings suggest that acinar deformation in the core regions of the lung is complex and heterogeneous.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Sera
- Center for Advanced Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
|