Early Development of the Mouse Morphome.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Osteoporosis Research
• Animal Models

Background:

• Analytical morphomics uses quantitative data from CT scans to assess patient frailty.
• Current morphomics studies are retrospective, limiting controlled prospective research.
• Developing animal models is crucial for prospective, well-controlled morphomics studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an in vivo microCT protocol for longitudinal, whole-body imaging in research animals.
• To enable morphomic analyses of bone structure and density.
• To create a platform for testing hypotheses derived from human clinical morphomics.

Main Methods:

• Phantom studies were conducted on two microCT systems (Inveon and CT120) to evaluate tissue radiodensity and system performance.
• A phantom-immobilization device was designed and tested using phantoms and an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model.
• Data analysis involved assessing scan consistency, the impact of field-of-view objects, and the utility of using the middle 80% of slices.

Main Results:

• The Inveon system demonstrated greater z-axis consistency than the CT120; slice-by-slice calibration reduced variability.
• Using the middle 80% of slices significantly decreased data variability on both systems.
• Bone mineral density calibration with a phantom improved estimates, and the OVX mouse model was validated by body weight and uterine mass comparisons.

Conclusions:

• A refined microCT protocol was developed for acquiring reliable, objective data in research animals.
• This protocol establishes a foundation for animal morphomics research.
• The platform will facilitate testing hypotheses generated from human clinical morphomics studies.