我々は温かく、このプロジェクトの財政支援のためにノートルダム大聖堂の統合イメージング機能（NDIIF）とケアストリームヘルス社に感謝します。

<ol>
	<li>Clarke, P. J., O'Malley, P. M., Schulenberg, J. E., Johnston, L. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Midlife+and+Socioeconomic+Consequences+of+Persistent+Overweight+Across+Early+Adulthood:+Findings+From+a+National+Survey+of+American+Adults+(1986-2008).">Midlife and Socioeconomic Consequences of Persistent Overweight Across Early Adulthood: Findings From a National Survey of American Adults (1986-2008).</a> Am. J. Epidemiol. , (2008).</li><li>Brockman, G., Bevova, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Using+Mouse+Models+to+Dissect+the+Genetic+of+Obesity.">Using Mouse Models to Dissect the Genetic of Obesity.</a> TRENDS in Genetics. 18, 367-376 (2002).</li><li>Bray, G. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Progress+in+Understanding+the+Genetics+of+Obesity.">Progress in Understanding the Genetics of Obesity.</a> Journal of Nutrition. 127, 940S-942S (1997).</li><li>Carroll, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mouse+Models+of+Obesity.">Mouse Models of Obesity.</a> Clinics in Dermatology. 22, 345-349 (2004).</li><li>Judex, S., Luu, Y. K., Ozcivici, E., Adler, B., Lublinsky, S., Rubin, C. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantification+of+Adiposity+in+Small+Animal+Rodents+using+Micro-CT.">Quantification of Adiposity in Small Animal Rodents using Micro-CT.</a> Methods. 50, 14 (2010).</li><li>Luu, Y. K., Lublinsky, S., Ozcivici, E., Capilla, E., Pessin, J. E., Rubin, C. T., Judex, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+Vivo+Quantificaiton+of+Subcutaneous+and+Visceral+Adiposity+by+Micro+Computed+Tomography+in+a+Small+Animal+Model.">In Vivo Quantificaiton of Subcutaneous and Visceral Adiposity by Micro Computed Tomography in a Small Animal Model.</a> Med. Eng. Phys. 31, 34-41 (2009).</li><li>Medina-Gomez, G., Gray, S. L., Yetukuri, L., Shimomura, K., Virtue, S., Campbell, M., Curtis, R. K., Jimenez-Linan, M., Blount, M., Yeo, G. S., Lopez, M., Seppänen-Laakso, T., Ashcroft, F. M., Oresic, M., Vidal-Puig, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=PPAR+gamma+2+prevents+lipotoxicity+by+controlling+adipose+tissue+expandability+and+peripheral+lipid+metabolism.">PPAR gamma 2 prevents lipotoxicity by controlling adipose tissue expandability and peripheral lipid metabolism.</a> PLoS Genet. 3, e64 (2007).</li><li>Sakkou, M., Wiedmer, P., Anlag, K., Hamm, A., Seuntjens, E., Ettwiller, L., Tschöp, M. H., Treier, . <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=M.A+role+for+brain-specific+homeobox+factor+bsx+in+the+control+of+hyperphagia+and+locomotory+behavior.">M.A role for brain-specific homeobox factor bsx in the control of hyperphagia and locomotory behavior.</a> Cell Metab. 5, 450-463 (2007).</li><li>Patchen, M. L., MacVittie, T. J., Souza, L. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Postirradiation+treatment+with+granulocyte+colony-stimulating+factor+and+preirradiation+WR-2721+administration+synergize+to+enhance+hemopoietic+reconstitution+and+increase+survival.">Postirradiation treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and preirradiation WR-2721 administration synergize to enhance hemopoietic reconstitution and increase survival.</a> International Journal of Radiation Oncology. 22, 773-779 (1992).</li></ol>

リー、ショーン·P.·オートン、セスT.ギャモンShengtingトッドA. Sasserは、ケアストリーム分子イメージングの従業員です。カルロスCorrecherはOncovisionの従業員は、GEM-Imagingは、マシューLeevyは、ケアストリーム分子イメージングのためのコンサルタントであり、SAW。

ここでは、B6.V-LEP OB / Jマウスを利用して我々はAlbira CTシステムを用いた小動物モデルにおける脂肪量の測定を行うことの可能性を説明しました。これらの測定は、グループ内およびグループ間の測定値の比較のための期待と一致している。まず、代表的な結果は、これらの手順を使用して、WTと肥満マウス群のいずれにおいても脂肪/総体積比の測定に限られたグループ内の変動を強調表示しますここで提供される。第二に、WTと比較肥満マウスの脂肪/総体積比が大きく異なります。最後に、WT対B6.V-LEP OB / Jマウスの相対的な総脂肪量と体脂肪率について報告され、以前の値と（図示せず）の比較に基づいて、WT対の合計/脂肪体積比のために我々の測定B6.V- LEP OB / Jマウスは、予想される範囲、7、8の範囲内。 ここで詳述した方法は、他のMに適用したり、適合させることができましたodelsおよび/または研究目的。復興パラメータの変更は特定の目標を達成するために必要な場合があります。たとえば、Judex ら 。 （2010）50μmの解像度の画像は、一部の地域、特定の分析のために必要であったことを報告した。イメージの一センチ方のボリュームは、 &quot;HR&quot;復興オプションを使用してAlbira 5.0 Suiteの再構成で35μmの再建のために選択することができます。 Albira CTシステムは、領域や臓器、特定の脂肪含量測定のために利用されていたら、CTベースの脂肪含有量分析の完全な利点は（すなわち、同時地域や臓器、特定の脂肪量の測定と縦測定）Albira CTシステムのために実現することができる。 結論： ここでは、X線CT画像を用いた生きたマウスの脂肪含有量の測定のためのステップ法を用いて、詳細なステップを提供しています。我々は、CTデータAlbiraイメージステーションを使用して設定を取得し、その後のセグメンテーションとANAを行ったPMODソフトウェアスイートを使用して溶解。最後に、我々は全体の動物の中で容易なレンダリング、および脂肪組織分布の可視化を有効にする手順を説明しています。

segmentation and measurement of fat volumes in murine obesity models using x-ray computed tomography

肥満が増加罹患率と死亡率と同様に生活の質の減少メトリックに関連付けられています。病気に貢献する正確な根本的なメカニズムは、現在線引きされているものの1の両方の環境要因と遺伝的要因は、肥満に関連付けられています。2,3いくつかの小さな動物が肥満のモデルが開発されており、様々な研究で採用されています。4これらの実験に不可欠なコンポーネントは、様々な条件の下、地域および/ ​​または総動物性脂肪含有量データの収集が含まれます。 肥満の小さな動物モデルでの脂肪含量を測定するための伝統的な実験方法は、（例えば、二重エネルギーX線吸収法（DEXA）、または（MR）磁気共鳴）侵襲（例えば、脂肪沈着の ex vivo での測定）と非侵襲的なプロトコルが含まれその各々は、相対的なトレードオフを示します。脂肪含有量を測定するための現在の侵襲的な方法は、詳細を提供することがあります臓器や地域特有の脂肪の分布が、犠牲にするために被験者は、長手方向の評価を排除します。逆に、現在の非侵襲的戦略は、臓器や地域、特定の脂肪分布のために制限された詳細を提供していますが、貴重な長手方向の評価を有効にしてください。専用の小動物X線コンピュータ断層撮影（CT）システム、およびカスタマイズされた分析的手続の出現で、脂肪分布と縦プロファイリングの臓器や地域固有の分析の両方が可能な場合もあります。最近の報告では、生きたマウスの脂肪の in vivoでの長手方向のイメージングのためのCTの使用を検証しています。5,6ここでは、一緒にケアストリーム分子イメージングAlbira CTシステムを利用する脂肪/総体積測定、分析、可視化を可能にする修正方法を提供PMODとVolviewソフトウェアパッケージである。

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Segmentation and Measurement of Fat Volumes in Murine Obesity Models Using X-ray Computed Tomography at JoVE.com

Segmentation and Measurement of Fat Volumes in Murine Obesity Models Using X-ray Computed Tomography

脂肪含有量分析は、定期的にマウス肥満モデルを活用した研究で実施しています。小さな動物のCTイメージングと解析の新たな方法は、長手方向のディテール豊かな脂肪含有量分析のために提供しています。小さな動物のCTイメージング、分析、および可視化を実行するためのステップの手順で、ここでは詳細なステップです。

X線CTを用いたマウス肥満モデルにおけるセグメンテーションおよびFATボリュームの測定

Obesity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality as well as reduced metrics in quality of life.1 Both environmental and genetic factors are ...

segmentation-measurement-fat-volumes-murine-obesity-models-using-x

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

15.9K ビュー.  Carestream Molecular Imaging. 脂肪含有量分析は、定期的にマウス肥満モデルを活用した研究で実施しています。小さな動物のCTイメージングと解析の新たな方法は、長手方向のディテール豊かな脂肪含有量分析のために提供しています。小さな動物のCTイメージング、分析、および可視化を実行するためのステップの手順で、ここでは詳細なステップです。

ビデオ: Segmentation and Measurement of Fat Volumes in Murine Obesity Models Using X-ray Computed Tomography

Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity and Vascular Inflammation using [18-F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (FDG-PET/CT)

Conventional non-invasive imaging modalities of atherosclerosis such as coronary artery calcium (CAC)1 and carotid intimal medial thickness (C-IMT)2 provide information about the burden of disease. However, despite multiple validation studies of CAC3-5, and C-IMT2,6, these modalities do not accurately assess plaque characteristics7,8, and the composition and inflammatory state of the plaque determine its stability and, therefore, the risk of clinical events9-13.
[18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) imaging using positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has been extensively studied in oncologic metabolism14,15. Studies using animal models and immunohistochemistry in humans show that FDG-PET/CT is exquisitely sensitive for detecting macrophage activity16, an important source of cellular inflammation in vessel walls. More recently, we17,18 and others have shown that FDG-PET/CT enables highly precise, novel measurements of inflammatory activity of activity of atherosclerotic plaques in large and medium-sized arteries9,16,19,20. FDG-PET/CT studies have many advantages over other imaging modalities: 1) high contrast resolution; 2) quantification of plaque volume and metabolic activity allowing for multi-modal atherosclerotic plaque quantification; 3) dynamic, real-time, in vivo imaging; 4) minimal operator dependence. Finally, vascular inflammation detected by FDG-PET/CT has been shown to predict cardiovascular (CV) events independent of traditional risk factors21,22 and is also highly associated with overall burden of atherosclerosis23. Plaque activity by FDG-PET/CT is modulated by known beneficial CV interventions such as short term (12 week) statin therapy24 as well as longer term therapeutic lifestyle changes (16 months)25.
The current methodology for quantification of FDG uptake in atherosclerotic plaque involves measurement of the standardized uptake value (SUV) of an artery of interest and of the venous blood pool in order to calculate a target to background ratio (TBR), which is calculated by dividing the arterial SUV by the venous blood pool SUV. This method has shown to represent a stable, reproducible phenotype over time, has a high sensitivity for detection of vascular inflammation, and also has high inter-and intra-reader reliability26. Here we present our methodology for patient preparation, image acquisition, and quantification of atherosclerotic plaque activity and vascular inflammation using SUV, TBR, and a global parameter called the metabolic volumetric product (MVP). These approaches may be applied to assess vascular inflammation in various study samples of interest in a consistent fashion as we have shown in several prior publications.9,20,27,28

Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity and Vascular Inflammation using [18-F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography FDG-PET/CT

There is great need to identify atherosclerosis non-invasively, and here we demonstrate how FDG-PET/CT can be used to detect and quantify atherosclerotic plaque activity and vascular inflammation.

アテローム性動脈硬化プラーク活動と血管の炎症の定量化を用いて[18 F]フルオロ陽電子放射断層撮影/コンピュータ断層撮影（FDG-PET/CT）

Conventional non-invasive imaging modalities of atherosclerosis such as coronary artery calcium (CAC)1 and carotid intimal medial thickness (C-IMT)2 ...

医学

Multi-modal Imaging of Angiogenesis in a Nude Rat Model of Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Volumetric Computed Tomography and Ultrasound

Angiogenesis is an essential feature of cancer growth and metastasis formation. In bone metastasis, angiogenic factors are pivotal for tumor cell proliferation in the bone marrow cavity as well as for interaction of tumor and bone cells resulting in local bone destruction. Our aim was to develop a model of experimental bone metastasis that allows in vivo assessment of angiogenesis in skeletal lesions using non-invasive imaging techniques.
For this purpose, we injected 105 MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells into the superficial epigastric artery, which precludes the growth of metastases in body areas other than the respective hind leg1. Following 25-30 days after tumor cell inoculation, site-specific bone metastases develop, restricted to the distal femur, proximal tibia and proximal fibula1. Morphological and functional aspects of angiogenesis can be investigated longitudinally in bone metastases using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), volumetric computed tomography (VCT) and ultrasound (US).
MRI displays morphologic information on the soft tissue part of bone metastases that is initially confined to the bone marrow cavity and subsequently exceeds cortical bone while progressing. Using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) functional data including regional blood volume, perfusion and vessel permeability can be obtained and quantified2-4. Bone destruction is captured in high resolution using morphological VCT imaging. Complementary to MRI findings, osteolytic lesions can be located adjacent to sites of intramedullary tumor growth. After contrast agent application, VCT angiography reveals the macrovessel architecture in bone metastases in high resolution, and DCE-VCT enables insight in the microcirculation of these lesions5,6. US is applicable to assess morphological and functional features from skeletal lesions due to local osteolysis of cortical bone. Using B-mode and Doppler techniques, structure and perfusion of the soft tissue metastases can be evaluated, respectively. DCE-US allows for real-time imaging of vascularization in bone metastases after injection of microbubbles7.
In conclusion, in a model of site-specific breast cancer bone metastases multi-modal imaging techniques including MRI, VCT and US offer complementary information on morphology and functional parameters of angiogenesis in these skeletal lesions.

In the pathogenesis of bone metastasis, angiogenesis is a crucial process and therefore represents a target for imaging and therapy. Here, we present a rat model of site-specific breast cancer bone metastasis and describe strategies to non-invasively image angiogenesis in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging, volumetric computed tomography and ultrasound.

磁気共鳴イメージング、体積CT画像と超音波を用いた乳がんの骨転移のヌードラットモデルにおける血管新生のマルチモーダルイメージング

Angiogenesis is an essential feature of cancer growth and metastasis formation. In bone metastasis, angiogenic factors are pivotal for tumor cell ...

Dual-phase Cone-beam Computed Tomography to See, Reach, and Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma during Drug-eluting Beads Transarterial Chemo-embolization

The advent of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the angiography suite has been revolutionary in interventional radiology. CBCT offers 3 dimensional&#160;(3D) diagnostic imaging in the interventional suite and can enhance minimally-invasive therapy beyond the limitations of 2D angiography alone. The role of CBCT has been recognized in transarterial chemo-embolization (TACE) treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The recent introduction of a CBCT technique: dual-phase CBCT (DP-CBCT) improves intra-arterial HCC treatment with drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE). DP-CBCT can be used to localize liver tumors with the diagnostic accuracy of multi-phasic multidetector computed tomography (M-MDCT) and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) (See the tumor), to guide intra-arterially guidewire and microcatheter to the desired location for selective therapy (Reach the tumor), and to evaluate treatment success during the procedure (Treat the tumor). The purpose of this manuscript is to illustrate how DP-CBCT is used in DEB-TACE to see, reach, and treat HCC.

Dual-phase cone-beam computed tomography (DP-CBCT) is a useful intraprocedural imaging technique for transarterial chemo-embolization treatment with drug-eluting beads of hepatocellular carcinoma. DP-CBCT has been used to perform three major steps in oncologic interventional radiology: tumor localization (see), navigation and intraprocedural catheter guidance (reach), and intraprocedural evaluation of treatment success (treat).

デュアルフェーズコーンビームコンピュータ断層撮影法は、参照達し、薬剤溶出ビーズ塞栓化学及血塞栓中に肝細胞癌の治療に

The advent of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the angiography suite has been revolutionary in interventional radiology. CBCT offers 3 ...

Assessment of Viability of Human Fat Injection into Nude Mice with Micro-Computed Tomography

Lipotransfer is a vital tool in the surgeon&#8217;s armamentarium for the treatment of soft tissue deficits of throughout the body. Fat is the ideal soft tissue filler as it is readily available, easily obtained, inexpensive, and inherently biocompatible.1 However, despite its burgeoning popularity, fat grafting is hampered by unpredictable results and variable graft survival, with published retention rates ranging anywhere from 10-80%. 1-3
To facilitate investigations on fat grafting, we have therefore developed an animal model that allows for real-time analysis of injected fat volume retention. Briefly, a small cut is made in the scalp of a CD-1 nude mouse and 200-400 &#181;l&#160;of processed lipoaspirate is placed over the skull. The scalp is chosen as the recipient site because of its absence of native subcutaneous fat, and because of the excellent background contrast provided by the calvarium, which aids in the analysis process. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is used to scan the graft at baseline and every two weeks thereafter. The CT images are reconstructed, and an imaging software is used to quantify graft volumes.
Traditionally, techniques to assess fat graft volume have necessitated euthanizing the study animal to provide just a single assessment of graft weight and volume by physical measurement ex vivo. Biochemical and histological comparisons have likewise required the study animal to be euthanized. This described imaging technique offers the advantage of visualizing and objectively quantifying volume at multiple time points after initial grafting without having to sacrifice the study animal. The technique is limited by the size of the graft able to be injected as larger grafts risk skin and fat necrosis. This method has utility for all studies evaluating fat graft viability and volume retention. It is particularly well-suited to providing a visual representation of fat grafts and following changes in volume over time.

Fat grafting is an essential technique for reconstructing soft tissue deficits. However, it remains an unpredictable procedure characterized by variable graft survival. Our goal was to devise a mouse model that utilizes a novel imaging method to compare volume retention between differing techniques of fat graft preparation and delivery.

マイクロコンピュータ断層撮影とヌードマウスへのヒト脂肪注入の生存率の評価

Lipotransfer is a vital tool in the surgeon&#8217;s armamentarium for the treatment of soft tissue deficits of throughout the body. Fat is the ideal soft ...

Real-time X-ray Imaging of Lung Fluid Volumes in Neonatal Mouse Lung

At birth, the lung undergoes a profound phenotypic switch from secretion to absorption, which allows for adaptation to breathing independently. Promoting and sustaining this phenotype is critically important in normal alveolar growth and gas exchange throughout life. Several in vitro studies have characterized the role of key regulatory proteins, signaling molecules, and steroid hormones that can influence the rate of lung fluid clearance. However, in vivo examinations must be performed to evaluate whether these regulatory factors play important physiological roles in regulating perinatal lung liquid absorption. As such, the utilization of real time X-ray imaging to determine perinatal lung fluid clearance, or pulmonary edema, represents a technological advancement in the field. Herein, we explain and illustrate an approach to assess the rate of alveolar lung fluid clearance and alveolar flooding in C57BL/6 mice at post natal day 10 using X-ray imaging and analysis. Successful implementation of this protocol requires prior approval from institutional animal care and use committees (IACUC), an in vivo small animal X-ray imaging system, and compatible molecular imaging software.

We present a protocol to assess the rate of alveolar fluid clearance or pulmonary edema in neonatal mouse lung using X-ray imaging technology.

新生児マウスの肺における肺流体体積のリアルタイムX線イメージング

At birth, the lung undergoes a profound phenotypic switch from secretion to absorption, which allows for adaptation to breathing independently. Promoting ...

Continuous Blood Sampling in Small Animal Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Enables the Measurement of the Arterial Input Function

For quantitative analysis and bio-kinetic modeling of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) data, the determination of the temporal blood time-activity concentration also known as arterial input function (AIF) is a key point, especially for the characterization of animal disease models and the introduction of newly developed radiotracers. The knowledge of radiotracer availability in the blood helps to interpret PET/CT-derived data of tissue activity. For this purpose, online blood sampling during the PET/CT imaging is advisable to measure the AIF. In contrast to manual blood sampling and image-derived approaches, continuous online blood sampling has several advantages. Besides the minimized blood loss, there is an improved resolution and a superior accuracy for the blood activity measurement. However, the major drawback of online blood sampling is the costly and time-consuming preparation to catheterize the femoral vessels of the animal. Here, we describe an easy and complete workflow for catheterization and continuous blood sampling during small animal PET/CT imaging and compared it to manual blood sampling and an image-derived approach. Using this highly-standardized workflow, the determination of the fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) AIF is demonstrated. Further, this procedure can be applied to any radiotracer in combination with different animal models to create fundamental knowledge of tracer kinetic and model characteristics. This allows a more precise evaluation of the behavior of pharmaceuticals, both for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the preclinical research of oncological, neurodegenerative and myocardial diseases.

Here a protocol for continuous blood sampling during PET/CT imaging of rats to measure the arterial input function (AIF) is described. The catheterization, the calibration and setup of the system and the data analysis of the blood radioactivity are demonstrated. The generated data provide input parameters for subsequent bio-kinetic modeling.

小動物陽電子放出断層撮影/コンピュータ断層撮影における連続的な血液サンプリングにより、動脈入力機能の測定が可能

For quantitative analysis and bio-kinetic modeling of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) data, the determination of the temporal ...

Vinyl Chloride and High-Fat Diet as a Model of Environment and Obesity Interaction

Vinyl chloride (VC), an abundant environmental contaminant, causes steatohepatitis at high levels, but is considered safe at lower levels. Although several studies have investigated the role of VC as a direct hepatotoxicant, the concept that VC modifies sensitivity of the liver to other factors, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) caused by high-fat diet (HFD) is novel. This protocol describes an exposure paradigm to evaluate the effects of chronic, low-level exposure to VC. Mice are acclimated to low-fat or high-fat diet one week prior to the beginning of the inhalation exposure and remain on these diets throughout the experiment. Mice are exposed to VC (sub-OSHA level: &#60;1 ppm) or room air in inhalation chambers for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for up to 12 weeks. Animals are monitored weekly for body weight gain and food consumption. This model of VC exposure causes no overt liver injury with VC inhalation alone. However, the combination of VC and HFD significantly enhances liver disease. A technical advantage of this co-exposure model is the whole-body exposure, without restraint. Moreover, the conditions more closely resemble a very common human situation of a combined exposure to VC with underlying nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and therefore support the novel hypothesis that VC is an environmental risk factor for the development of liver damage as a complication of obesity (i.e., NAFLD). This work challenges the paradigm that the current exposure limits of VC (occupational and environmental) are safe. The use of this model can shed new light and concern on the risks of VC exposure. This model of toxicant-induced liver injury can be used for other volatile organic compounds and to study other interactions that may impact the liver and other organ systems.

The goal of this protocol was to develop a murine model of low-level toxicant exposure that does not cause overt liver injury but rather exacerbates pre-existing liver damage. This paradigm better recapitulates human exposure and the subtle changes that occur upon exposure to toxicant concentrations that are considered safe.

環境と肥満相互作用のモデルとしての塩化ビニルと高脂肪食

Vinyl chloride (VC), an abundant environmental contaminant, causes steatohepatitis at high levels, but is considered safe at lower levels. Although ...

Segmentation and Linear Measurement for Body Composition Analysis using Slice-O-Matic and Horos

Body composition is associated with risk of disease progression and treatment complications in a variety of conditions. Therefore, quantification of skeletal muscle mass and adipose tissues on Computed Tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may inform surgery risk evaluation and disease prognosis. This article describes two quantification methods originally described by Mourtzakis et al. and Avrutin et al.: tissue segmentation and linear measurement of skeletal muscle. Patients' cross-sectional image at the midpoint of the third lumbar vertebra was obtained for both measurements. For segmentation, the images were imported into Slice-O-Matic and colored for skeletal muscle, intramuscular adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Then, surface areas of each tissue type were calculated using the tag surface area function. For linear measurements, the height and width of bilateral psoas and paraspinal muscles at the level of the third lumbar vertebra are measured and the calculation using these four values yield the estimated skeletal muscle mass. Segmentation analysis provides quantitative, comprehensive information about the patients' body composition, which can then be correlated with disease progression. However, the process is more time-consuming and requires specialized training. Linear measurements are an efficient and clinic-friendly tool for quick preoperative evaluation. However, linear measurements do not provide information on adipose tissue composition. Nonetheless, these methods have wide applications in a variety of diseases to predict surgical outcomes, risk of disease progression and inform treatment options for patients.

Segmentation and linear measurements quantify skeletal muscle mass and adipose tissues using Computed Tomography and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging images. Here, we outline the use of Slice-O-Matic software and Horos image viewer for rapid and accurate analysis of body composition. These methods can provide important information for prognosis and risk stratification.

スライスO-マティックとホロを用いた体組成解析のためのセグメンテーションと線形測定

Body composition is associated with risk of disease progression and treatment complications in a variety of conditions. Therefore, quantification of ...

Self-Administration of Drugs in Mouse Models of Feeding and Obesity

Preclinical studies in mice often rely on invasive protocols, such as injections or oral gavage, to deliver drugs. These stressful routes of administration have significant effects on important metabolic parameters including food intake and body weight. Although an attractive option to circumvent this is to compound the drug in rodent food or dissolve it in water, these approaches also have limitations as they are affected by drug stability at room temperature for extended periods of time, the drug's solubility in water, and that the dosing is highly dependent on timing of food or water intake. The constant availability of the drug also limits translational relevance on how drugs are administered to patients. To overcome these limitations, drugs can be mixed with highly palatable food, such as peanut butter, allowing mice to self-administer compounds. Mice reliably and reproducibly consume the drug/peanut butter pellet in a short time frame. This approach facilitates a delivery approach with minimal stress compared with an injection or gavage. This protocol demonstrates the approach of drug preparation, animal acclimatization to placebo delivery, and drug delivery. The implications of this approach are discussed in studies related to timing of drug administration and the circadian rhythm.

The overall goal of this procedure is to describe a method for self-administration of drugs that can be used in mouse models of feeding and obesity.

マウスにおける摂食と肥満モデルにおける薬物の自己投与

Preclinical studies in mice often rely on invasive protocols, such as injections or oral gavage, to deliver drugs. These stressful routes of ...

Tissue Preparation Techniques for Contrast-Enhanced Micro Computed Tomography Imaging of Large Mammalian Cardiac Models with Chronic Disease

Structural remodeling is a common consequence of chronic pathological stresses imposed on the heart. Understanding the architectural and compositional properties of diseased tissue is critical to determine their interactions with arrhythmic behavior. Microscale tissue remodeling, below the clinical resolution, is emerging as an important source of lethal arrhythmia, with high prevalence in young adults. Challenges remain in obtaining high imaging contrast at sufficient microscale resolution for preclinical models, such as large mammalian whole hearts. Moreover, tissue composition-selective contrast enhancement for three-dimensional high-resolution imaging is still lacking. Non-destructive imaging using micro-computed tomography shows promise for high-resolution imaging. The objective was to alleviate sufferance from X-ray over attenuation in large biological samples. Hearts were extracted from healthy pigs (N = 2), and sheep (N = 2) with either induced chronic myocardial infarction and fibrotic scar formation or induced chronic atrial fibrillation. Excised hearts were perfused with: a saline solution supplemented with a calcium ion quenching agent and a vasodilator, ethanol in serial dehydration, and hexamethyldisilizane under vacuum. The latter reinforced the heart structure during air-drying for 1 week. Collagen-dominant tissue was selectively bound by an X-ray contrast-enhancing agent, phosphomolybdic acid. Tissue conformation was stable in air, permitting long-duration microcomputed tomography acquisitions to obtain high-resolution (isotropic 20.7 &#181;m) images. Optimal contrast agent loading by diffusion showed selective contrast enhancement of the epithelial layer and sub-endocardial Purkinje fibers in healthy pig ventricles. Atrial fibrillation (AF) hearts showed enhanced contrast accumulation in the posterior walls and appendages of the atria, attributed to greater collagen content. Myocardial infarction hearts showed increased contrast selectively in regions of cardiac fibrosis, which enabled the identification of interweaving surviving myocardial muscle fibers. Contrast-enhanced air-dried tissue preparations enabled microscale imaging of the intact large mammalian heart and selective contrast enhancement of underlying disease constituents.

Here, we present a protocol to obtain high resolution micro computed tomography images of healthy and pathological large mammalian whole hearts with collagen-selective contrast enhancement.

慢性疾患を有する大型哺乳類心臓モデルのコントラスト増強マイクロコンピュータ断層撮影イメージングのための組織調製技術

Structural remodeling is a common consequence of chronic pathological stresses imposed on the heart. Understanding the architectural and compositional ...