Simultaneous submicrometric 3D imaging of the micro-vascular network and the neuronal system in a mouse spinal cord

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a high-resolution, non-destructive 3D imaging technique using X-ray phase-contrast tomography to visualize micro-vascular and neuronal networks in mouse spinal cords, aiding neurodegenerative research.

Contribution

It introduces a novel imaging method that simultaneously captures detailed 3D structures of vascular and neuronal systems without contrast agents or sample destruction.

Findings

Achieved simultaneous 3D visualization of VN and neuronal networks at nanometer resolution.

Provided detailed spatial mapping of micro-capillaries and nerve fibers.

Enabled better understanding of neurovascular relationships in spinal cords.

Abstract

Defaults in vascular (VN) and neuronal networks of spinal cord are responsible for serious neurodegenerative pathologies. Because of inadequate investigation tools, the lacking knowledge of the complete fine structure of VN and neuronal systems is a crucial problem. Conventional 2D imaging yields incomplete spatial coverage leading to possible data misinterpretation, whereas standard 3D computed tomography imaging achieves insufficient resolution and contrast. We show that X-ray high-resolution phase-contrast tomography allows the simultaneous visualization of three-dimensional VN and neuronal systems of mouse spinal cord at scales spanning from millimeters to hundreds of nanometers, with neither contrast agent nor a destructive sample-preparation. We image both the 3D distribution of micro-capillary network and the micrometric nerve fibers, axon-bundles and neuron soma. Our approach is a crucial tool for pre-clinical investigation of neurodegenerative pathologies and spinal-cord-injuries. In particular, it should be an optimal tool to resolve the entangled relationship between VN and neuronal system.