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Updated: May 22, 2026
In vivo Imaging of the Mouse Spinal Cord Using Two-photon Microscopy
Published on: January 5, 2012
High-resolution ex vivo imaging in mouse spinal cord using micro-CT with 11.7T-MRI and myelin staining validation
Shigeyoshi Saito1, Yuki Mori, Yoshichika Yoshioka
1Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Division of Medical Technology and Science, Faculty of Health Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 1-7 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan. saito@sahs.med.osaka-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
We investigated the use of micro-CT with contrast agent for the characterization of fixed mouse spinal cord as a means to differentiate between gray and white matter. The spinal cords were soaked in a concentration of nonionic iodinated contrast agent for 14 days. Micro-CT was performed and then compared using 11.7T-MRI images and myelin staining. Soaking the spinal cords in contrast agent resulted in clear differences in signal between the gray and white matter at 3 planes. Micro-CT provides more relevant information on mouse spinal cord GM and WM anatomical structures.
Insights
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) with contrast agents effectively differentiates mouse spinal cord gray and white matter. This imaging technique offers valuable anatomical insights for research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Anatomical Pathology
Background:
- Differentiating gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in fixed mouse spinal cords is crucial for research.
- Traditional methods may lack sufficient resolution or detail for precise anatomical characterization.
- Advanced imaging techniques are needed to enhance the visualization of spinal cord microstructure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) using a contrast agent for characterizing fixed mouse spinal cords.
- To determine if micro-CT can reliably differentiate between gray and white matter structures.
- To compare micro-CT findings with established imaging and staining techniques.
Main Methods:
- Fixed mouse spinal cords were immersed in a nonionic iodinated contrast agent for 14 days.
- Micro-CT scans were performed on the contrast-enhanced spinal cords.
- Results were compared with high-field (11.7T) MRI images and traditional myelin staining.
Main Results:
- Contrast-enhanced micro-CT revealed distinct signal differences between gray and white matter across three anatomical planes.
- These differences enabled clear visualization and differentiation of GM and WM structures.
- Micro-CT provided detailed anatomical information comparable to, and in some aspects exceeding, MRI and staining.
Conclusions:
- Micro-CT with contrast enhancement is a valuable tool for characterizing fixed mouse spinal cord anatomy.
- This method reliably distinguishes between gray and white matter, offering superior anatomical detail.
- Micro-CT presents a promising technique for detailed investigation of spinal cord structures in research settings.
