Three‐dimensional imaging of the mouse heart and vasculature using micro‐CT and whole‐body perfusion of iodine or phosphotungstic acid

This study describes a perfusion approach using iodine or phosphotungstic acid (PTA) stains, delivered to an intact mouse, to capitalize on the microvasculature as a delivery conduit for parenchymal staining and direct contact for staining artery walls. Twelve C57BL/6 mice, arterially perfused with either 25% Lugol's solution or 5% PTA solution were scanned intact and reconstructed with 26 µm isotropic voxels. The animals were fixed and the heart and surrounding vessels were excised, embedded and scanned; isolated heart images were reconstructed with 13 µm isotropic voxels. Myocardial enhancement and artery diameters were measured. Both stains successfully enhanced the myocardium and vessel walls. Interestingly, Lugol's solution provided a significantly higher enhancement of the myocardium than PTA [2502 ± 437 vs 656 ± 178 Hounsfield units (HU); p < 0.0001], delineating myofiber architecture and orientation. There was no significant difference in vessel wall enhancement (Lugol's, 1036 ± 635 HU; PTA, 738 ± 124 HU; p = 0.29), but coronary arteries were more effectively segmented from the PTA‐stained hearts, enabling segmented imaging of fifth‐ order coronary artery branches. The combination of whole mouse perfusion delivery and use of heavy metal‐containing stains affords high‐resolution imaging of the mouse heart and vasculature by micro‐CT. The differential imaging patterns of Lugol's‐ and PTA‐stained tissues reveals new oppo...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Full Paper Source Type: research