MicroCT versus sTSLIM 3D imaging of the mouse cochlea

J Histochem Cytochem. 2013 May;61(5):382-95. doi: 10.1369/0022155413478613. Epub 2013 Jan 28.

Abstract

We made a qualitative and quantitative comparison between a state-of-the-art implementation of micro-Computed Tomography (microCT) and the scanning Thin-Sheet Laser Imaging Microscopy (sTSLIM) method, applied to mouse cochleae. Both imaging methods are non-destructive and perform optical sectioning, respectively, with X-rays and laser light. MicroCT can be used on fresh or fixed tissue samples and is primarily designed to image bone rather than soft tissues. It requires complex back-projection algorithms to produce a two-dimensional image, and it is an expensive instrument. sTSLIM requires that a specimen be chemically fixed, decalcified, and cleared; but it produces high-resolution images of soft and bony tissues with minimum image postprocessing and is less expensive than microCT. In this article, we discuss the merits and disadvantages of each method individually and when combined.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cochlea / cytology*
  • Cochlea / diagnostic imaging*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / instrumentation
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Confocal / instrumentation
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods*
  • X-Ray Microtomography / instrumentation
  • X-Ray Microtomography / methods*