Simultaneous 3D visualization and quantification of murine bone and bone vasculature using micro‐computed tomography and vascular replica

P Schneider, T Krucker, E Meyer… - Microscopy research …, 2009 - Wiley Online Library
P Schneider, T Krucker, E Meyer, A Ulmann‐Schuler, B Weber, M Stampanoni, R Müller
Microscopy research and technique, 2009Wiley Online Library
Recent evidence suggests a close functional relationship between osteogenesis and
angiogenesis as well as between bone remodeling and bone vascularization.
Consequently, there is a need for visual inspection and quantitative analysis of the bone
vasculature. We therefore adapted and implemented two different vascular corrosion casting
(VCC) protocols using a polyurethane‐based casting resin in mice for a true three‐
dimensional (3D), direct, and simultaneous measurement of bone tissue and vascular …
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests a close functional relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis as well as between bone remodeling and bone vascularization. Consequently, there is a need for visual inspection and quantitative analysis of the bone vasculature. We therefore adapted and implemented two different vascular corrosion casting (VCC) protocols using a polyurethane‐based casting resin in mice for a true three‐dimensional (3D), direct, and simultaneous measurement of bone tissue and vascular morphology by micro‐computed tomography (μCT). For assessment of vascular replicas at the level of capillaries, a vascular contrast perfusion (VCP) protocol was devised using a contrast modality based on a barium sulfate suspension in conjunction with synchrotron radiation (SR) μCT. The vascular morphology quantified using the VCP protocol was compared quantitatively with the results of a previously established method, where the vascular network of cortical bone was derived indirectly from cortical porosity. The presented VCC and VCP protocols have the potential of serving as a valuable method for concomitant 3D quantitative morphometry of the bone tissue and its vasculature. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
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