microct video rotate 3d reconstructed image

Over the last two decades, microCT has gradually evolved into a routine technique also in many biomedical research disciplines. MicroCT data is calibrated for both geometry and intensity, making microCT a powerful tool especially for quantitative studies.

MicroCT delivers genuine and isotropic 3D information from dense and non-transparent biological samples at micron resolution. We further exemplify contemporary applications of microCT imaging for mouse embryo phenotyping, including qualitative and quantitative analysis of mutant phenotypes, as well as fully automated computer-based detection of novel phenotypes. This review provides an overview of the complete workflow of microCT analysis from fixation of embryos to the acquisition of tomographic datasets. In addition, microCT has been used as key imaging modality in numerous standalone projects that required the structural analysis of parts of the embryo such as the cardiovascular system ( Degenhardt et al., 2010 Kim et al., 2013).

Among this portfolio of imaging modalities, microCT contributed remarkably to the identification of unknown phenotypes ( Wong et al., 2014 Dickinson et al., 2016). Subsequent screening efforts of the IMPC involved several 3D imaging techniques, including optical projection tomography (OPT) for early developmental stages (E9.5), microscopic X-ray computed tomography (microCT) for later developmental stages (E15.5, E18.5), high-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) to reveal histological detail, and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (micro-MRI) for postnatal brain imaging ( Dickinson et al., 2016). As part of an ambitious effort of characterizing 20.000 knockout mouse lines, the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) came up with recommendations for a high-throughput pipeline using 3D imaging techniques to search for previously unknown embryonic phenotypes ( Adams et al., 2013 Wong et al., 2014). In these lines, linking function of genes to phenotypes cannot be accomplished by analysis of adult individuals but requires investigation of development ( Wong et al., 2014). However, about 30% of all knockout mouse lines are embryonic or perinatal lethal. The mouse is the most common used model for studying mammalian gene function. In addition, we give an outlook on phenotyping workflows using microscopic dual energy CT (microDECT) and tissue-specific contrast agents. 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. Consequently, microCT has gained enormous importance for both qualitative and quantitative phenotyping of mouse development. High sample throughput is achieved with dedicated setups. 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. MicroCT imaging is non-destructive and combines well with other modalities such as light and electron microscopy in correlative imaging workflows. Microscopic X-ray computed tomography (microCT) is a structural ex vivo imaging technique providing genuine isotropic 3D images from biological samples at micron resolution. VetCore Facility for Research / Imaging Unit, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.In comparison, the MicroCT reaches a spatial resolution of 5 microns (0.005 mm) corresponding to near 1x10-7 cubic mm voxel size. The spatial resolution of conventional medical CT-scanners is in the range of 1 - 2.5 mm, which corresponds to a 1^ - 10 cubic mm voxel (volume element) size. Another factor to note is the micro CT is slightly different than the medical CT. In contrast, CT allows for visualization and morphometric measurement of complete 3D structure without sample preparation, chemical fixation, or sample destruction. In a single 2D shadow projection the depth information is mixed. Conventional optical or electron microscopy allows visualizing 2D images of a specimen surface or thin slices while X-ray (radiography) produces 2D shadow images of 3D structures. It is a non-destructive method that often requires no tissue staining or sectioning of the sample. MicroCT uses X-RAYS to create cross sections of samples which allows for high resolution 3D imaging and quantification of tissue and bio-materials.

Microct video rotate 3d reconstructed image