Three-dimensional reconstruction of neovasculature in solid tumors and basement membrane matrix using ex vivo X-ray microcomputed tomography.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To create accurate, high-resolution 3D reconstructions of neovasculature structures in xenografted tumors and Matrigel plugs for quantitative analyses in angiogenesis studies in animal models.

Methods

The competent neovasculature within xenografted solid tumors or Matrigel plugs in mice was perfused with Microfil, a radioopaque, hydrophilic polymerizing contrast agent, by systemic perfusion of the blood circulation via the heart. The perfused tumors and plugs were resected and scanned by X-ray micro-CT to generate stacks of 2D images showing the radioopaque material. A nonbiased, precise postprocessing scheme was employed to eliminate background X-ray absorbance from the extravascular tissue. The revised binary image stacks were compiled to reveal the Microfil-cast

SUBMITTER: Lee S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4185970 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature