Correlative Imaging with Multi-energy X-ray Tomography

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

INTRODUCTION: Dr. Ford's research lab has built upon a strong background in preclinical micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging of the lung to develop multi-energy contrast-enhanced micro-CT imaging protocols using iodine and xenon as contrast agents to visualize the blood vessels and airways respectively. We have also developed new imaging techniques on the biomedical beam line (BMIT) of the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron facility (CLS), including the first K-edge subtraction (KES) imaging of xenon and the first images using the respiratory signal from the rodent to trigger image acquisition during a specified respiratory phase. Our techniques for micro-CT and on the BMIT beam line will enable in vivo quantitative analysis of structure, physiology and function in rodent organs and tissues.***PROGRAM GOAL: To compare 3D x-ray images from micro-CT and synchrotron studies with optical techniques, including 2D confocal microscopy and 3D optical projection tomography (OPT). The measurements performed in the micro-CT and synchrotron images provide information about the organ structure and function within a living animal. For the optical techniques, the organs are sectioned to give information about the structure and function of the cells within the organ or tissue. ***METHODS: We will introduce contrast media or staining to visualize the same organ features under different imaging techniques. For in vivo imaging, we are using iodine and xenon to visualize the blood vessels and air spaces respectively; both of these materials are visible in the micro-CT and in KES synchrotron imaging. To correlate x-ray and optical techniques, possible contrast agent candidates include gold and silver nanoparticles and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots. We expect all of these materials will be visible in the synchrotron and micro-computed tomography images. Both the silver nanoparticles and quantum dots have been established as optical markers.***Synchrotron imaging will be performed at the CLS synchrotron facility using a novel spectral KES technique. The UBC Centre for High-Throughput Phenogenomics (CHTP) has two micro-CT scanners suitable for imaging live rodents and excised organs and tissues. The CHTP also houses an optical projection tomography machine that produces 3D optical images of fluorescently labeled tissues or auto fluorescence images and a white light laser confocal microscope with multiple laser sources.***IMPACT: The novelty of this program includes synchronizing the image acquisition with physiological signals at the BMIT beam line and using a world-wide unique spectral KES technique. Using the synchrotron will enable very accurate measurements that will be compared with in vivo micro-CT, ex vivo micro-CT, OPT and microscopy. Together, these measurements provide a more complete picture of how the organ functions or identify regions of the organ that are not functioning properly. **