This work was supported by the Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2021YJ0175) and the Graduate Research Innovation Project of the School of Clinical Medicine (LCYJSKT2023-11), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The animal protocol has been approved by the Animal Ethical Committee of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Record number: 2020-34). Female C57BL/6J mice (12-week old, n = 14) were divided into two groups randomly, a sham-operated group (Sham group, n = 7) and a model group (OVX group, n = 7). Animals were purchased from a commercial supplier (see Table of Materials). All mice were kept in individual cages at 22-26 &#176;C with 45%-55% humidity, allowed to adapt to their new environment ...

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

<ol>
	<li>Wang, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+prevalence+of+osteoporosis+in+China,+a+community+based+cohort+study+of+osteoporosis.">The prevalence of osteoporosis in China, a community based cohort study of osteoporosis.</a> Frontiers in Public Health. 11, 1084005 (2023).</li><li>Stein, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Why+animal+experiments+are+still+indispensable+in+bone+research:+A+statement+by+the+European+Calcified+Tissue+Society.">Why animal experiments are still indispensable in bone research: A statement by the European Calcified Tissue Society.</a> Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 38 (8), 1045-1061 (2023).</li><li>Kerschan-Schindl, K., Papageorgiou, M., F&#246;ger-Samwald, U., Butylina, M., Weber, M., Pietschmann, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessment+of+bone+microstructure+by+micro+CT+in+C57BL/6J+mice+for+sex-specific+differentiation.">Assessment of bone microstructure by micro CT in C57BL/6J mice for sex-specific differentiation.</a> International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 23 (23), 14585 (2022).</li><li>Fonseca, H., Moreira-Gon&#231;alves, D., Coriolano, H. J. A., Duarte, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bone+quality:+the+determinants+of+bone+strength+and+fragility.">Bone quality: the determinants of bone strength and fragility.</a> Sports Medicine. 44, 37-53 (2014).</li><li>Bouxsein, M. L., Boyd, S. K., Christiansen, B. A., Guldberg, R. E., Jepsen, K. J., M&#252;ller, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Guidelines+for+assessment+of+bone+microstructure+in+rodents+using+micro-computed+tomography.">Guidelines for assessment of bone microstructure in rodents using micro-computed tomography.</a> Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 25 (7), 1468-1486 (2010).</li><li>Akhter, M. P., Recker, R. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=High+resolution+imaging+in+bone+tissue+research-review.">High resolution imaging in bone tissue research-review.</a> Bone. 143, 115620 (2021).</li><li>Mys, K., et al. <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+3D+microstructural+parameters+of+trabecular+bone+is+affected+by+the+analysis+software.">Quantification of 3D microstructural parameters of trabecular bone is affected by the analysis software.</a> Bone. 142, 115653 (2021).</li><li>Chavassieux, P., Chapurlat, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interest+of+bone+histomorphometry+in+bone+pathophysiology+investigation:+Foundation,+present,+and+future.">Interest of bone histomorphometry in bone pathophysiology investigation: Foundation, present, and future.</a> Frontiers in Endocrinology. 13, 907914 (2022).</li><li>Komori, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Animal+models+for+osteoporosis.">Animal models for osteoporosis.</a> European Journal of Pharmacology. 759, 287-294 (2015).</li><li>Zhu, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ovariectomy-induced+bone+loss+in+TNF&#945;+and+IL6+gene+knockout+mice+is+regulated+by+different+mechanisms.">Ovariectomy-induced bone loss in TNF&#945; and IL6 gene knockout mice is regulated by different mechanisms.</a> Journal of Molecular Endocrinology. 60 (3), 185-198 (2018).</li><li>Baum, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Osteoporosis+imaging:+effects+of+bone+preservation+on+MDCT-based+trabecular+bone+microstructure+parameters+and+finite+element+models.">Osteoporosis imaging: effects of bone preservation on MDCT-based trabecular bone microstructure parameters and finite element models.</a> BMC Medical Imaging. 15, 22 (2015).</li><li>Nazarian, A., Hermannsson, B. J., Muller, J., Zurakowski, D., Snyder, B. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+tissue+preservation+on+murine+bone+mechanical+properties.">Effects of tissue preservation on murine bone mechanical properties.</a> Journal of Biomechanics. 42 (1), 82-86 (2009).</li><li>Mart&#237;n-Badosa, E., Amblard, D., Nuzzo, S., Elmoutaouakkil, A., Vico, L., Peyrin, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Excised+bone+structures+in+mice:+imaging+at+three-dimensional+synchrotron+radiation+micro+CT.">Excised bone structures in mice: imaging at three-dimensional synchrotron radiation micro CT.</a> Radiology. 229 (3), 921-928 (2003).</li><li>Egan, K. P., Brennan, T. A., Pignolo, R. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bone+histomorphometry+using+free+and+commonly+available+software.">Bone histomorphometry using free and commonly available software.</a> Histopathology. 61 (6), 1168-1173 (2012).</li><li>Brandi, M. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Microarchitecture,+the+key+to+bone+quality.">Microarchitecture, the key to bone quality.</a> Rheumatology. 48 (suppl_4), iv3-iv8 (2009).</li><li>Schindelin, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fiji:+an+open-source+platform+for+biological-image+analysis.">Fiji: an open-source platform for biological-image analysis.</a> Nature Methods. 9 (7), 676-682 (2012).</li><li>Domander, R., Felder, A. A., Doube, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=BoneJ2-refactoring+established+research+software.">BoneJ2-refactoring established research software.</a> Wellcome Open Research. 6, 37 (2021).</li><li>Parfitt, A. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bone+histomorphometry:+standardization+of+nomenclature,+symbols,+and+units:+report+of+the+ASBMR+Histomorphometry+Nomenclature+Committee.">Bone histomorphometry: standardization of nomenclature, symbols, and units: report of the ASBMR Histomorphometry Nomenclature Committee.</a> Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 2 (6), 595-610 (1987).</li><li>Kazama, J. J., Koda, R., Yamamoto, S., Narita, I., Gejyo, F., Tokumoto, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cancellous+bone+volume+is+an+indicator+for+trabecular+bone+connectivity+in+dialysis+patients.">Cancellous bone volume is an indicator for trabecular bone connectivity in dialysis patients.</a> Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology: CJASN. 5 (2), 292-298 (2010).</li><li>Watts, N. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Postmenopausal+osteoporosis:+A+clinical+review.">Postmenopausal osteoporosis: A clinical review.</a> Journal of Women's Health. 27 (9), 1093-1096 (2018).</li><li>Thompson, D. D., Simmons, H. A., Pirie, C. M., Ke, H. Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=FDA+Guidelines+and+animal+models+for+osteoporosis.">FDA Guidelines and animal models for osteoporosis.</a> Bone. 17 (4), S125-S133 (1995).</li><li>Iwaniec, U. T., Yuan, D., Power, R. A., Wronski, T. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Strain-dependent+variations+in+the+response+of+cancellous+bone+to+ovariectomy+in+mice.">Strain-dependent variations in the response of cancellous bone to ovariectomy in mice.</a> Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 21 (7), 1068-1074 (2006).</li><li>Ferguson, V. L., Ayers, R. A., Bateman, T. A., Simske, S. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bone+development+and+age-related+bone+loss+in+male+C57BL/6J+mice.">Bone development and age-related bone loss in male C57BL/6J mice.</a> Bone. 33 (3), 387-398 (2003).</li><li>Glatt, V., Canalis, E., Stadmeyer, L., Bouxsein, M. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Age-related+changes+in+trabecular+architecture+differ+in+female+and+male+C57BL/6J+mice.">Age-related changes in trabecular architecture differ in female and male C57BL/6J mice.</a> Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 22 (8), 1197-1207 (2007).</li><li>Seeman, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+structural+and+biomechanical+basis+of+the+gain+and+loss+of+bone+strength+in+women+and+men.">The structural and biomechanical basis of the gain and loss of bone strength in women and men.</a> Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics. 32 (1), 25-38 (2003).</li><li>Ticha, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+novel+cryo-embedding+method+for+in-depth+analysis+of+craniofacial+mini+pig+bone+specimens.">A novel cryo-embedding method for in-depth analysis of craniofacial mini pig bone specimens.</a> Scientific Reports. 10 (1), 19510 (2020).</li><li>Genant, H. K., Engelke, K., Prevrhal, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Advanced+CT+bone+imaging+in+osteoporosis.">Advanced CT bone imaging in osteoporosis.</a> Rheumatology. 47 (suppl_4), iv9-iv16 (2008).</li><li>Zaw Thin, M., Moore, C., Snoeks, T., Kalber, T., Downward, J., Behrens, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Micro-CT+acquisition+and+image+processing+to+track+and+characterize+pulmonary+nodules+in+mice.">Micro-CT acquisition and image processing to track and characterize pulmonary nodules in mice.</a> Nature Protocols. 18 (3), 990-1015 (2023).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Osteoporosis can lead to frequent fractures, which are costly, can cause pain, disability, or even death, and seriously affect the quality of life of patients20. Over the years, the ovariectomy model has been recognized as one of the standard methods for studying osteoporosis21. The most common preclinical animal model for osteoporosis is the ovariectomized (OVX) rat. Despite this, the majority of research into the mechanisms of bone disorders, including osteoporosis, has b...

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.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>4% Paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td>Biosharp</td>
			<td>BL539A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Adobe Photoshop</td>
			<td>Adobe Inc.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ammonia Solution</td>
			<td>Chengdu Kolon Chemical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>2021070101</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Analyze 12.0</td>
			<td>AnalyzeDirect, Inc</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anatomical Forceps</td>
			<td>Jinzhong surgical instrument Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>J3C030</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anhydrous Ethanol</td>
			<td>Chengdu Kolon Chemical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>2022070501</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Automatic Dyeing Machine</td>
			<td>Thermo scientific</td>
			<td>Varistain&#8482; Gemini ES</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bone Microarchitecture Analysis Add-on</td>
			<td>AnalyzeDirect, Inc</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>C57BL/6J mice</td>
			<td>SPF (Beijing) Biotechnology Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carrier Slides</td>
			<td>Nantong Mei Wei De Experimental Equipment Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>220518001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coverslips</td>
			<td>Nantong Mei Wei De Experimental Equipment Co.</td>
			<td>220518001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Decalcification Solution</td>
			<td>Wuhan Xavier Biotechnology Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>CR2203047</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Delicate Scissors</td>
			<td>Jinzhong surgical instrument Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>ZJA010</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Embedding box marking machine</td>
			<td>Thermo scientific</td>
			<td>&#160;PrintMate AS</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Embedding Machine</td>
			<td>Wuhan Junjie Electronics Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>JB-P5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fiji: ImageJ</td>
			<td>National Institutes of Health, USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Film Sealer</td>
			<td>Thermo scientific</td>
			<td>Autostainer 360</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Freezing Table</td>
			<td>Wuhan Junjie Electronics Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>JB-L5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>H&#38;E Staining Kit</td>
			<td>Leagene</td>
			<td>DH0020</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hydrochloric Acid Solution</td>
			<td>Sichuan Xilong Science Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>210608</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ImageJ2 Plugin</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>BoneJ 7.0.16</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Medical Gauze</td>
			<td>Shandong Ang Yang Medical Technology Co.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mersilk 3-0 Silk Braided Non-Absorbable Sutures</td>
			<td>Ethicon, Inc.</td>
			<td>SA84G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Needle Holder</td>
			<td>Jinzhong surgical instrument Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>J32010</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Neutral Balsam</td>
			<td>Sinopharm Group Chemical Reagent Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>10004160</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oven</td>
			<td>Shanghai Yiheng Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>DHG-9240A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PANNORAMIC Digital Slide Scanners</td>
			<td>3DHISTECH Ltd.&#160;</td>
			<td>PANNORAMIC DESK/MIDI/250/1000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PBS buffer</td>
			<td>Biosharp</td>
			<td>G4202</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Povidone-iodine solution 5%</td>
			<td>Chengdu Yongan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Quantum GX2 microCT Imaging System</td>
			<td>PerkinElmer, Inc.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rotary Microtome</td>
			<td>Thermo scientific</td>
			<td>HM325</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scalpel</td>
			<td>Quanzhou Excellence Medical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>20170022</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scan &#38; Browse Software</td>
			<td>3DHISTECH Ltd.&#160;</td>
			<td>CaseViewer2.4</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Single-Use Sterile Rubber Surgical Gloves</td>
			<td>Guangdong Huitong Latex Products Group Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>22B141EO</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium Chloride Solution 0.9%</td>
			<td>Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile Hypodermic Syringes for Single Use</td>
			<td>Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Products&#160; Co., Ltd</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile Medical Suture Needles</td>
			<td>Shanghai Pudong Jinhuan Medical Products Co., Ltd.&#160;</td>
			<td>PW8068</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tissue Processor</td>
			<td>Thermo scientific</td>
			<td>STP420 ES</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tissue Spreading and Baking Machine</td>
			<td>Wuhan Junjie Electronics Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>JK-6</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tribromoethanol</td>
			<td>Nanjing Aibei Biotechnology Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>M2920</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wax Trimmer</td>
			<td>Wuhan Junjie Electronics Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>JXL-818</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xylene</td>
			<td>Chengdu Kolon Chemical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>2022051901</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

trabecular bone microarchitecture evaluation in an osteoporosis mouse model

Bone microstructure refers to the arrangement and quality of bone tissue at the microscopic level. Understanding the bone microstructure of the skeleton is crucial for gaining insight into the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and improving its treatment. However, handling bone samples can be complex due to their hard and dense properties. Secondly, specialized software makes image processing and analysis difficult. In this protocol, we present a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for trabecular bone microstructure analysis. Detailed steps and precautions are provided. Micro-CT is a non-destructive three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique that provides high-resolution images of trabecular bone structure. It allows for the objective and quantitative evaluation of bone quality, which is why it is widely regarded as the gold standard method for bone quality assessment. However, histomorphometry remains indispensable as it offers crucial cellular-level parameters, bridging the gap between two-dimensional (2D) and 3D assessments of bone specimens. As for the histologic techniques, we chose to decalcify the bone tissue and then perform traditional paraffin embedding. In summary, combining these two methods can provide more comprehensive and accurate information on bone microstructure.

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.

Micro-CT analysis 
We measured the trabecular microarchitectural parameters in mice from both groups and reported their mean values and SDs in Table 1. The distribution of some parameters (i.e., the ratio of bone volume to total tissue volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation) within each group are illustrated in Figure 3.
These results indicate significant differen...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about An Economic and Efficient Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Bone Microarchitecture in a Murine Osteoporosis Model at JoVE.com

This protocol presents an economical and efficient method for quantitative evaluation of bone microarchitecture in a mouse model of osteoporosis by combining Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) techniques.

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

trabecular-bone-microarchitecture-evaluation-an-osteoporosis-mouse

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

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.

Analyzing Micro-Computed Tomography (CT) Images of Murine Trabecular Bone

To begin analyzing the micro-computed tomography, or micro CT images, in the micro CT imaging system software, select the data to be analyzed. Click Sub, and set pixel size to 10 microns. Move and resize the region of interest, or ROI, to include the distal femur above the growth plate.Then, click on Start. Next, click the Analysis 3D button to get the resulting 3D reconstruction. Export the data from the micro CT system to the computer for analysis.After importing the reconstructed CT data, click Process and Image Calculator. Then sequentially click Region Pad and Interactive. Adjust the yellow check box to the appropriate ROI.After exiting the image calculator, select the bone microarchitecture analysis, or BMA add-on, and click Segment Cortex and Segment Trabeculae. Finally, click on Measure Bone to calculate the bone morphometric indices. The trabecular micro-architectural parameters were measured in mice from two groups, the sham-operated group and the ovariectomized osteoporosis model group, or OVX group.The results indicated significant differences between mice of the two groups. The ratio of bone volume to total tissue volume in the OVX group was 3%lower than that in the sham group. The trabecular thickness in mice of the OVX group was lower than in the sham group, and the trabecular separation in the OVX mice was greater than that in the sham mice.3D displays of trabecular ROIs extracted from reconstructed bone volume revealed that compared to the sham group, in the OVX mice, the trabeculae was sparse and showed osteoporosis.

Analyzing the Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) Images of Murine Trabecular Bone Tissue

To begin analysis of the Hematoxylin and Eosin or HE images of the mouse bone tissue, open the HE images with case viewer software. Select the region of interest or ROI on the slide and save it as a color image. Then open the image in image J.Select the wand tool from the toolbar, and click on the trabecular bone.To adjust the tolerance and contiguous settings as needed, go to image, then adjustments, followed by black and white. And click okay. Repeat the steps for other areas of the bone.Invert the selection and fill it with white color. Sequentially click on process binary and convert to mask to convert the color image to a binary image. Use a plugin in the software to analyze structural parameters.Run area by volume fraction to calculate bone volume to total volume of bone. The histopathological analysis performed by HE staining of mice femur showed the trabecular bones under the growth plate of the distal femur were reduced in the ovariectomized osteoporosis model mice when compared to the sham operated group. The quantitative analysis of tissue sections also indicated that the OVX mice had less trabecular bone area than those in the sham group.

1.3K Views.  Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  This protocol presents an economical and efficient method for quantitative evaluation of bone microarchitecture in a mouse model of osteoporosis by combining Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) techniques.

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

Özet