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01-06-2019 | Original Article

Ethanol fixation method for heart and lung imaging in micro-CT

Authors: Matej Patzelt, Jana Mrzilkova, Jan Dudak, Frantisek Krejci, Jan Zemlicka, Jakub Karch, Vladimir Musil, Jozef Rosina, Viktor Sykora, Barbora Horehledova, Petr Zach

Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology | Issue 6/2019

Abstract

Purpose

The soft tissue imaging in micro-CT remains challenging due to its low intrinsic contrast. The aim of this study was to create a simple staining method omitting the usage of contrast agents for ex vivo soft tissue imaging in micro-CT.

Materials and methods

Hearts and lungs from 30 mice were used. Twenty-seven organs were either fixed in 97% or 50% ethanol solution or in a series of ascending ethanol concentrations. Images were acquired after 72, 168 and 336 h on a custom-built micro-CT machine and compared to scans of three native samples.

Results

Ethanol provided contrast enhancement in all evaluated fixations. Fixation in 97% ethanol resulted in contrast enhancement after 72 h; however, it caused hardening of the samples. Fixation in 50% ethanol provided contrast enhancement after 336 h, with milder hardening, compared to the 97% ethanol fixation, but the visualization of details was worse. The fixation in a series of ascending ethanol concentrations provided the most satisfactory results; all organs were visualized in great detail without tissue damage.

Conclusions

Simple ethanol fixation improves the tissue contrast enhancement in micro-CT. The best results can be obtained with fixation of the soft tissue samples in a series of ascending ethanol concentrations.

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Title: Ethanol fixation method for heart and lung imaging in micro-CT
Authors: Matej Patzelt
Jana Mrzilkova
Jan Dudak
Frantisek Krejci
Jan Zemlicka
Jakub Karch
Vladimir Musil
Jozef Rosina
Viktor Sykora
Barbora Horehledova
Petr Zach
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 1867-1071
Electronic ISSN: 1867-108X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-019-00830-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Ethanol fixation method for heart and lung imaging in micro-CT

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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