In vivo intra-articular contrast enhanced μCT imaging of mouse knee cartilage

In vivo micro-Computed Tomography (mu CT) is commonly used tool in the study of mouse bone architecture. However, in vivo imaging of mouse cartilage has been limited. Intra-articular contrast injection was evaluated for its utility in detecting mouse cartilage in mu CT. Clinically used iodinated contrast agent was chosen for its widespread commercial availability. Imaging protocol was developed with wild type C57BL/6 mice for its ability to detect expected cartilage thinning that occurs with sexual maturity. The protocol was then validated with transgenic mouse model with known extracellular matrix loss. mu CT findings showed good correspondence with histological assessment. In conclusion, in vivo intra-articular contrast-enhanced mu CT arthrography is viable technique for evaluation of mouse cartilage.Summary: In vivo intra-articular contrast enhanced mu CT of the mouse knee joint can delineate cartilage thickness and extracellular matrix content. The imaging protocol may be useful for longitudinal evaluation of cartilage anomalies in transgenicmouse model.

Automated summary

In vivo intra-articular contrast-enhanced mu CT can be used to image mouse cartilage, showing good agreement with histological assessment, making it a viable technique for evaluation.