Name: Micro-Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging of Murine Trabecular Bone
Uploaded: 2023-09-08T14:10:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Micro-Computed Tomography CT Imaging of Murine Trabecular Bone at JoVE.com

micro-computed tomography (ct) imaging of murine trabecular bone

HE Staining and Micro-CT to Evaluate Murine Trabecular Bone Microarchitecture

Osteoporosis is a prevalent metabolic bone disease, especially among the elderly, and is associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures. As osteoporosis becomes more common in China1, there will be a growing demand for studying the bone structures of small animals2,3. The previous methods of measuring bone loss rely on the outcomes of two-dimensional dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. However, this does not capture the changes in the architectural microstructure of the trabecular bone, which is a key factor for skeletal strength4. The microstructure of bone affects its strength, stiffness, and fracture resistance. By comparing bone microarchitecture in normal and pathological states, changes in bone tissue morphology, structure, and function caused by osteoporosis can be identified. This information contributes to the understanding of the development of osteoporosis and its association with other diseases. 
Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) imaging has recently become a popular technique for bone morphology assessment, where it can provide accurate and comprehensive data on bone structure and density parameters such as bone volume fraction, thickness, and separation5,6. At the same time, the Micro-CT results can be affected by the analysis software7. Different methods of image acquisition, evaluation, and reporting are used by various commercial Micro-CT systems. This inconsistency makes it hard to compare and interpret the results reported by different studies5. Also, it cannot currently replace bone histomorphometry in providing researchers with information on cellular-level parameters in the skeletal system8. Meanwhile, histologic techniques allow direct observation and measurement of the microscopic morphology of bone. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining is a common staining technique used in histology to visualize the general structure of cells and tissues. It is used to identify the presence of bone tissue and its microarchitecture.
This article uses Micro-CT combined with tissue slicing technique (Hematoxylin-Eosin [HE] staining) to collect bone tissue images and perform quantitative analysis of trabecular bone to evaluate the changes of bone microstructure in an osteoporosis mouse model.

Author Spotlight: An Economic and Efficient Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Bone Microarchitecture in a Murine Osteoporosis Model 

Trabecular Bone Microarchitecture Evaluation in an Osteoporosis Mouse Model

Our research focused on the effects of traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, on osteoporosis. We are trying to explore the mechanism, efficacy, and safety of TCM intervention for osteoporosis. Micro-computed tomography imaging has recently become a popular technique for bone morphology assessment.It can provide accurate and comprehensive data on bone structure and density parameters, such as bone volume, fracture thickness, and separation. The skeletal system is the most unique tissue structure in terms of the physical properties of the body. It contains the inorganic component arginine calcium phosphate, and it is hard and stiff as a result.The process of hurting bone symptoms is tedious. We provided a complete and detailed process from modeling to osteoporosis in evaluation for researchers. We believe the application of the technology will undoubtedly bring great improvements to osteoporosis research in the context of ethnomedicine exploration.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Micro-Computed Tomography CT Imaging of Murine Trabecular Bone at JoVE.com

Micro-Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging of Murine Trabecular Bone

To begin the micro-computed tomography, or micro CT imaging, remove as much soft tissue as possible from the bone. Open the micro CT imaging system software by double-clicking its icon on the computer. Select the sample bed compatible with the sample field of view, or FOV, of 18 millimeters by 18 millimeters.Load the sample bed into the machine and close the hatch. In the Control Panel, select Manual in the preset option in the Scan Acquisition Settings. Set Voltage kilovolts to 90, Current microamperes to 80, Scan Mode to high resolution 14 minutes, and FOV millimeters to 18 millimeters by 18 millimeters.Position the bone securely with plastic film in the sample bed and close the hatch. Click on the Live button to observe the sample. And using the adjustment buttons on the machine, center the subject precisely in the X-capture window.Click the Start button to start the CT scan.

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Bone microstructure refers to the arrangement and quality of bone tissue at the microscopic level. Understanding the bone microstructure of the skeleton ...