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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Microsc / Virtual histology by means of high-resolution X-ray CT.
Journal of microscopy2008; 232(3); 476-485; doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2818.2008.02142.x

Virtual histology by means of high-resolution X-ray CT.

Abstract: Micro-CT is a non-destructive technique for 3D tomographic investigation of an object. A 3D representation of the internal structure is calculated based on a series of X-ray radiographs taken from different angles. The spatial resolution of current laboratory-used micro-CT systems has come down over the last years from a few tens of microns to a few microns. This opens the possibility to perform histological investigations in 3D on a virtual representation of a sample, referred to as virtual 3D histology. The advantage of micro-CT based virtual histology is the immediate and automated 3D visualization of the sample without prior slicing, sample preparation like decalcification, photographing and aligning. This not only permits a drastic reduction in preparation time but also offers the possibility to easily investigate objects that are difficult to slice. This article presents results that were obtained on punch biopsies of horse skin, (dental) alveolus of ponies and chondro-osseous samples from the tarsus of foals studied with the new high resolution micro-CT set-up (HRXCT) at the Ghent University (Belgium) (http://www.ugct.ugent.be). This state-of-the-art set-up provides a 1 micron resolution and is therefore ideally suited for a direct comparison with standard light microscopy-based histology.
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Publication Date: 2008-12-20 PubMed ID: 19094024DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2818.2008.02142.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article discusses the advancements of Micro-CT technology as a non-destructive method for 3D histological examinations and its superiorities over traditional methods, providing example results from studies conducted using the high-resolution micro-CT set-up at Ghent University.

The Concept of Virtual Histology

  • The study focuses on the concept of virtual 3D histology, which is a tool that produces three-dimensional models of the internal structure of an object (like a cell or tissue sample). This is achieved by taking a sequence of X-ray radiographs from different angles through a process known as Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).
  • Over the years, the resolution of micro-CT machines has significantly improved, enabling detailed observations at a scale of a few microns. This advancement has transformed the histological investigations by providing high-quality, three-dimensional sample representations that can be explored in detail.

The Advancement of Micro-CT

  • The paper emphasizes the advantages of micro-CT based virtual histology. It eliminates the need for traditional sample preparation such as slicing and decalcification. This not only significantly reduces preparation time, but it also minimizes the risk of damaging the samples and allows for the investigation of objects that are typically challenging to slice.
  • Comparatively, virtual histology offers an immediate and automated 3D visualization of the sample, providing a more efficient method to scrutinize specimens in depth.

Practical Applications and Demonstrations of Virtual Histology

  • This concept was practically applied in examining punch biopsies of horse skin, dental alveolus from ponies, and chondro-osseous samples from foals’ tarsus. The study utilized a high-resolution micro-CT (HRXCT) set-up available at Ghent University in Belgium to achieve these results.
  • The HRXCT set-up, boasting a 1-micron resolution, made it apt for a side-by-side comparison with conventional light microscopy-based histology, thereby, highlighting the effectiveness and efficiency of the virtual histology method.

Cite This Article

APA
Cnudde V, Masschaele B, De Cock HE, Olstad K, Vlaminck L, Vlassenbroeck J, Dierick M, Witte YD, Van Hoorebeke L, Jacobs P. (2008). Virtual histology by means of high-resolution X-ray CT. J Microsc, 232(3), 476-485. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2818.2008.02142.x

Publication

Journal of microscopy
ISSN: 1365-2818
NlmUniqueID: 0204522
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 232
Issue: 3
Pages: 476-485

Researcher Affiliations

Cnudde, V
  • Department of Geology and Soil Science, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium. veerle.cnudde@ugent.be
Masschaele, B
    De Cock, H E V
      Olstad, K
        Vlaminck, L
          Vlassenbroeck, J
            Dierick, M
              Witte, Y D
                Van Hoorebeke, L
                  Jacobs, P

                    MeSH Terms

                    • Animals
                    • Histological Techniques / methods
                    • Horses
                    • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
                    • Skin / ultrastructure
                    • Tarsus, Animal / ultrastructure
                    • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
                    • Tooth Socket / ultrastructure

                    Citations

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