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Updated: Feb 17, 2026
Contrast Imaging in Mouse Embryos Using High-frequency Ultrasound
Published on: March 4, 2015
Imaging the human placental microcirculation with micro-focus computed tomography: Optimisation of tissue preparation
Rosalind Pratt1, J Ciaran Hutchinson2, Andrew Melbourne3
1Translational Imaging Group, Dept. Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place Engineering Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK.
None:
Micro-CT provides 3D volume imaging with spatial resolution at the micrometre scale. We investigated the optimal human placenta tissue preparation (contrast agent, perfusion pressure, perfusion location and perfusion vessel) and imaging (energy, target material, exposure time and frames) parameters. Microfil (Flow Tech, Carver, MA) produced better fill than Barium sulphate (84.1%(±11.5%)vs70.4%(±18.02%) p = 0.01). Perfusion via umbilical artery produced better fill than via chorionic vessels (83.8%(±17.7%)vs78.0%(±21.9%), p < 0.05), or via umbilical vein (83.8%(±16.4%)vs69.8%(±20.3%), p < 0.01). Imaging at 50 keV with a molybdenum target produced the best contrast to noise ratio. We propose this method to enable quantification and comparison of the human fetoplacental vascular tree.
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