Micro-CT Acquisition and Image Processing to Track and Characterize Pulmonary Nodules in Mice

Overview

Journal Nat Protoc

Specialties Biology
Pathology
Science

Date 2022 Dec 9

PMID 36494493

Authors

May Zaw Thin

Christopher Moore

Thomas Snoeks

Tammy Kalber

Julian Downward

Axel Behrens

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

X-ray computed tomography is a reliable technique for the detection and longitudinal monitoring of pulmonary nodules. In preclinical stages of diagnostic or therapeutic development, the miniaturized versions of the clinical computed tomography scanners are ideally suited for carrying out translationally-relevant research in conditions that closely mimic those found in the clinic. In this Protocol, we provide image acquisition parameters optimized for low radiation dose, high-resolution and high-throughput computed tomography imaging using three commercially available micro-computed tomography scanners, together with a detailed description of the image analysis tools required to identify a variety of lung tumor types, characterized by specific radiological features. For each animal, image acquisition takes 4-8 min, and data analysis typically requires 10-30 min. Researchers with basic training in animal handling, medical imaging and software analysis should be able to implement this protocol across a wide range of lung cancer models in mice for investigating the molecular mechanisms driving lung cancer development and the assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

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