Hard and soft X-ray imaging to resolve human ovarian cortical structures

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Reproductive Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• X-ray tomography offers non-invasive, high-resolution imaging of biological samples.
• Phase contrast imaging enhances visualization of structures with low X-ray attenuation.
• Current applications in reproductive medicine primarily focus on animal models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first micro-computed tomography (microCT) imaging of human ovarian tissue.
• To demonstrate the capability of synchrotron-based phase contrast imaging for detailed ovarian structure analysis.
• To explore the potential of 3D imaging in reproductive medicine and diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Human ovarian tissue fragments were surgically obtained, fixed, stained with osmium tetroxide, and embedded in epoxy resin.
• Propagation phase contrast synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (microCT) was performed at the SYRMEP beamline.
• X-ray absorption microCT and soft X-ray absorption/phase contrast imaging were used for comparison and structure identification.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated 3D microCT images of human ovarian tissue.
• Distinguished between ovarian cortex and medulla regions.
• Identified early-stage follicles and visualized blood vessel distribution within the tissue.

Conclusions:

• Synchrotron-based microCT provides unprecedented detail of human ovarian tissue structure.
• This technique can aid in understanding ovarian anatomy and pathology.
• The study supports future applications in reproductive technologies and diagnostics.