Multiple-contrast X-ray micro-CT visualization of colon malformations and tumours in situ in living mice.
The development of new therapeutic approaches against colorectal cancer requires preclinical studies in mice. In vivo imaging could greatly facilitate these trials, but the small size of the animals is a major limitation for the direct visualization of intestinal tissue. Here we report a method of in vivo imaging of the mouse intestine based on X-ray micro-computed tomography using multiple contrast agents. This method was validated in the model of non-cancerous polyp-like heteroplasia that spontaneously develops in the caecum area of Cdx2+/- mutant mice and in the model of colon adenocarcinoma induced by administration of the chemical carcinogen azoxymethane. As a simple and non-invasive method, multiple-contrast X-ray micro-computed tomography is appropriate for pre-clinical studies of intestinal diseases in living mice.
Choquet
Philippe
P
Service de biophysique et de médecine nucléaire, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, hôpital de Hautepierre, 1, avenue Molière, 67098 Strasbourg, France.
Calon
Alexandre
A
Breton
Elodie
E
Beck
Felix
F
Domon-Dell
Claire
C
Freund
Jean-Noël
JN
Constantinesco
André
A
D000818:Animals; D000071616:CDX2 Transcription Factor; D003106:Colon / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006579:Heterozygote; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics
D000071616:CDX2 Transcription Factor; C487514:Cdx2 protein, mouse; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors