Multiple-contrast X-ray micro-CT visualization of colon malformations and tumours in situ in living mice

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Preclinical Research
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Preclinical studies in mice are crucial for developing new colorectal cancer therapies.
• Visualizing mouse intestinal tissue in vivo is challenging due to animal size limitations.
• Existing imaging methods may not adequately support detailed intestinal studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a non-invasive in vivo imaging method for the mouse intestine.
• To overcome the limitations of small animal size for intestinal visualization.
• To facilitate preclinical research for intestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer.

Main Methods:

• Utilized X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for in vivo imaging of the mouse intestine.
• Employed multiple contrast agents to enhance visualization of intestinal structures.
• Validated the method using two distinct preclinical models: Cdx2+/- mutant mice with heteroplasia and azoxymethane-induced colon adenocarcinoma.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated in vivo imaging of mouse intestinal tissue using multiple-contrast X-ray micro-CT.
• Validated the technique in models of both non-cancerous polyp-like heteroplasia and colon adenocarcinoma.
• The method proved effective for visualizing intestinal pathology in living mice.

Conclusions:

• Multiple-contrast X-ray micro-computed tomography is a simple and non-invasive approach for in vivo mouse intestine imaging.
• This technique is suitable for preclinical studies of intestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer.
• The method enhances the feasibility of in vivo visualization in small animal models.