Joseph David Ferrara PhD, Presenter: Employee, Rigaku Corporation

Yoshihiro Takeda, Abstract Co-Author: Employee, Rigaku Corporation

Kazuhiko Omote PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Employee, Rigaku Corporation

Yasunari Takada PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Koichi Matsuo MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate X-ray microscopy with a sub-micron resolution as a method to study in-vitro specimen at the cell level.

An X-ray microscope was built to observe biological specimen in three dimensions (3D) with a resolution below 1 μm. The X-ray generator was operated at 40 kV and 30 mA. The sample was rotated around a vertical axis to allow a 3D CT image to be reconstructed with a nominal resolution of 0.6 μm/voxel. A sample of fibula, approximately 10 mm long and 0.3 to 3 mm in diameter, was extracted from a seven-week old mouse, air-dried, and placed in the microscope.

A clear, submicron, 3D image of osteocyte lacunae, microvessels, and bone marrow was produced for the entire length of the sample bone. More than 20,000 osteocyte lacunae were detected and sorted out by the volume. It was found that relatively large osteocyte lacunae that are known to be active had characteristically distributed in specific areas of the bone.

A 3D image of an entire mouse fibula with sub-micron spatial resolution has been obtained. It was shown that microscopic X-ray CT can reveal the distribution and activities of cells in a biological specimen.

For the first time, all the osteocyte lacunae in an entire mouse bone have been visualized. This study indicates the possibility of using submicron X-ray microscopy for small animal tests in pharmaceutical development, and clinical tests on pathological specimen.

Ferrara, J, Takeda, Y, Omote, K, Takada, Y, Matsuo, K, 3D X-ray Microscopy for Cell-Level Study of Medical Specimens.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12024369.html