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Utilizing 3D Printing Technology to Merge MRI with Histology: A Protocol for Brain Sectioning
Published on: December 6, 2016
Utilizing 3D Printing Technology to Merge MRI with Histology: A Protocol for Brain Sectioning
Nicholas J Luciano1, Pascal Sati1, Govind Nair1
1Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for the delineation between normal and abnormal tissue on a macroscopic scale, sampling an entire tissue volume three-dimensionally. While MRI is an extremely sensitive tool for detecting tissue abnormalities, association of signal changes with an underlying pathological process is usually not straightforward. In the central nervous system, for example, inflammation, demyelination, axonal damage, gliosis, and neuronal death may all induce similar findings on MRI. As such, interpretation of MRI scans depends on the context, and radiological-histopathological correlation is therefore of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, traditional pathological sectioning of brain tissue is often imprecise and inconsistent, thus complicating the comparison between histology sections and MRI. This article presents novel methodology for accurately sectioning primate brain tissues and thus allowing precise matching between histology and MRI. The detailed protocol described in this article will assist investigators in applying this method, which relies on the creation of 3D printed brain slicers. Slightly modified, it can be easily implemented for brains of other species, including humans.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects tissue abnormalities, but correlating findings with pathology is challenging. This study introduces 3D printed brain slicers for precise radiological-histopathological matching.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sensitive for detecting tissue abnormalities but lacks specificity in the central nervous system.
- Similar MRI findings can result from diverse pathological processes like inflammation, demyelination, or neuronal death.
- Accurate radiological-histopathological correlation is crucial for interpreting MRI scans but is hindered by traditional imprecise tissue sectioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel methodology for accurate sectioning of primate brain tissues.
- To enable precise matching between histology and MRI data.
- To provide a detailed protocol for implementing this method in research.
Main Methods:
- Development of novel methodology for accurate brain tissue sectioning.
- Utilizing 3D printed brain slicers for consistent tissue slicing.
- Adaptable protocol for primate brains, extendable to other species including humans.
Main Results:
- Achieved accurate sectioning of primate brain tissues.
- Enabled precise matching between histological sections and MRI data.
- Demonstrated the utility of 3D printed brain slicers for improved correlation.
Conclusions:
- The novel methodology facilitates precise radiological-histopathological correlation.
- 3D printed brain slicers improve the accuracy of brain tissue sectioning.
- This technique enhances the interpretation of MRI findings in neuropathology research.
