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Updated: Jun 11, 2025
A Morphometric and Cellular Analysis Method for the Murine Mandibular Condyle
Published on: January 11, 2018
Contrast-Enhanced Micro-CT Imaging of Murine Mandibles: A Multi-Method Approach for Simultaneous Hard and Soft Tissue
Torben Hildebrand1,2, Yolanda Humphris1,3, Håvard Jostein Haugen1
1Department of Biomaterials, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Aim:
To develop and evaluate a novel multi-method micro-computed tomography (μCT) imaging protocol for enhanced visualization of both hard and soft tissues in murine mandibles, addressing the limitations of traditional imaging techniques in dental research.
Materials And Methods:
We employed a contrast-enhanced (CE) μCT imaging technique using Lugol's iodine as a contrast agent to visualize the intricate structures of murine mandibles. The protocol involved the combination of conventional μCT imaging as well as CE-μCT, including decalcification with EDTA, allowing for simultaneous assessment of hard and soft tissues. The method is compared with standard imaging modalities, and the ability to visualize detailed anatomical features is discussed.
Results:
The CE-μCT imaging technique provided superior visualization of murine mandibular structures, including dental pulp, periodontal ligaments and the surrounding soft tissues, along with conventional μCT imaging of alveolar bone and teeth. This method revealed detailed anatomical features with high specificity and contrast, surpassing traditional imaging approaches.
Conclusion:
Our findings demonstrate the potential of CE-μCT imaging with Lugol's iodine as a powerful tool for dental research. This technique offers a comprehensive view of the murine mandible, facilitating advanced studies in tissue engineering, dental pathology and the development of dental materials.
