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Published on: September 25, 2016
Real-time X-ray imaging of mouse cerebral microvessels in vivo using a pixel temporal averaging method
Fucheng Yu1, Feixiang Wang2, Ke Li1
1Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Rodents are used extensively as animal models for the preclinical investigation of microvascular-related diseases. However, motion artifacts in currently available imaging methods preclude real-time observation of microvessels in vivo. In this paper, a pixel temporal averaging (PTA) method that enables real-time imaging of microvessels in the mouse brain in vivo is described. Experiments using live mice demonstrated that PTA efficiently eliminated motion artifacts and random noise, resulting in significant improvements in contrast-to-noise ratio. The time needed for image reconstruction using PTA with a normal computer was 250 ms, highlighting the capability of the PTA method for real-time angiography. In addition, experiments with less than one-quarter of photon flux in conventional angiography verified that motion artifacts and random noise were suppressed and microvessels were successfully identified using PTA, whereas conventional temporal subtraction and averaging methods were ineffective. Experiments performed with an X-ray tube verified that the PTA method could also be successfully applied to microvessel imaging of the mouse brain using a laboratory X-ray source. In conclusion, the proposed PTA method may facilitate the real-time investigation of cerebral microvascular-related diseases using small animal models.
Insights
A new pixel temporal averaging (PTA) method allows real-time in vivo imaging of mouse brain microvessels, overcoming motion artifacts and noise. This technique enhances contrast-to-noise ratio for preclinical studies of cerebrovascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Preclinical Research
- Cerebrovascular Diseases
Background:
- Rodents are crucial animal models for studying microvascular diseases.
- Current imaging methods struggle with motion artifacts, hindering real-time in vivo observation of microvessels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel pixel temporal averaging (PTA) method for real-time in vivo microvessel imaging in the mouse brain.
- To demonstrate PTA's effectiveness in overcoming motion artifacts and improving image quality.
Main Methods:
- Developed and applied a pixel temporal averaging (PTA) method for microvessel imaging.
- Conducted experiments on live mice using PTA and compared it with conventional temporal subtraction and averaging methods.
- Validated PTA's performance with reduced photon flux and a laboratory X-ray source.
Main Results:
- PTA effectively eliminated motion artifacts and random noise, significantly improving contrast-to-noise ratio.
- Image reconstruction time was 250 ms, enabling real-time angiography.
- PTA successfully identified microvessels even with low photon flux, outperforming conventional methods.
Conclusions:
- The PTA method facilitates real-time investigation of cerebral microvascular diseases in small animal models.
- PTA offers a robust solution for high-quality in vivo microvessel imaging, essential for preclinical research.
