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Author Spotlight: Enhancing Transplantation Research Through MicroCT Angiography in Murine Models
Published on: September 22, 2023
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Successful Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Mice Utilizing Microcomputed Tomography Angiography
Qiang Zeng1, Doug A Gouchoe2, Mahboubeh Nabavinia3
1Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|October 9, 2023
Summary
Microcomputed tomography (microCT) angiography provides high-quality images of microvasculature, aiding organ transplantation research. This method allows real-time evaluation of liver transplants in mice without sacrificing animals.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Microcomputed tomography (microCT) angiography is crucial for visualizing microvasculature.
- Advances enable high-fidelity imaging for organ transplantation research.
- Current methods may require animal sacrifice for graft evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail a mouse model for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).
- To describe a microCT angiography protocol for high-quality imaging of liver allografts.
- To enable real-time, non-invasive evaluation of OLT and graft patency.
Main Methods:
- Stepwise protocol for orthotopic liver transplantation in mice.
- MicroCT angiography protocol optimized for contrast and image acquisition settings.
- Non-invasive imaging for assessment of vascular anastomosis and graft integrity.
Main Results:
- High-quality microCT angiography images of liver microvasculature were obtained.
- The protocol allows for real-time evaluation of allograft anastomosis.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of longitudinal studies without animal sacrifice.
Conclusions:
- MicroCT angiography is an invaluable tool for assessing liver transplantation in mice.
- This protocol facilitates detailed analysis of solid organ transplantation.
- Enables evaluation of surgical technique and therapeutic interventions over time.
