Multiscale Imaging Approach for Studying the Central Nervous System: Methodology and Perspective

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Histology

Background:

• Non-invasive imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is vital for studying the central nervous system (CNS) in health and disease.
• MRI provides in vivo anatomical, microstructural, and functional data but is limited by spatial resolution and signal specificity.
• Conventional histological methods like light and electron microscopy (EM) offer cellular and subcellular detail but lack volumetric information due to their 2D nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review 3D imaging techniques for validating and enhancing MRI data of the CNS.
• To introduce a combined approach using diffusion MRI and synchrotron X-ray phase contrast tomography (SXRPCT).
• To enable a new multiscale assessment of the CNS for improved in vivo imaging interpretation.

Main Methods:

• Overview of various 3D imaging techniques applicable to CNS validation.
• Detailed example combining diffusion MRI with synchrotron X-ray phase contrast tomography (SXRPCT).
• Focus on achieving highly resolved 3D information to complement MRI.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of a combined diffusion MRI and SXRPCT approach.
• Highlighting the potential for multiscale CNS assessment.
• Establishing a method to validate and improve in vivo MRI interpretation.

Conclusions:

• 3D imaging techniques are crucial for overcoming MRI limitations in CNS research.
• Combining in vivo MRI with ex vivo 3D imaging provides comprehensive insights.
• The presented multiscale approach advances the understanding of CNS structure and function.