Novel technique for improving 3D CT preclinical imaging

CT images of ex vivo mice lungs. A&B. Axial images of a standard CT compared to a high-resolution micro-CT quality image. C. Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) of the iodine-based contrast inflated lung for bronchial tree visualisation. Image: Karen Alt

Three-dimensional imaging of the mouse lung plays an important role in preclinical research to better understand injury extent and recovery especially of respiratory viruses such as SARS-COV-1 and -2.

 

Dr Karen Alt, Head of the NanoTheranostics group at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, together with her Masters student Lisa Hung and in collaboration with Dr Bianca Jupp of the Alfred Research Alliance - Monash Biomedical Imaging facility, has developed a novel methodology for iodine-based mouse lung tissue staining including the establishment of optimised CT acquisition & post processing parameters.  

This technology enables the precise analysis of developmental changes, tissue damage and recovery with a focus on fine morphology alterations. The state-of-the-art micro-CT system available at ARA-MBI combined with the new staining protocol enables an intricate evaluation of the complex lung structure at very high resolution. Consequently, the obtained data allow for a fast, precise and user-friendly 3D reconstruction to obtain detailed parenchyma, bronchial tree and vascular information of the lungs.

Furthermore, the iodine-based staining shows no interference with post-processing histology staining. In the recent study, this method was used to determine the development of fibrosis in the lung and to monitor the treatment progress. 

For more information contact the lead scientist Dr Karen Alt: karen.alt@monash.edu.

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