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

• Published in: Bone (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2023-02, Vol.167, p.116632-116632, Article 116632
• Main Authors: Jo, Stephanie Y., Sebro, Ronnie A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cartilage; Cartilage, Articular - diagnostic imaging; Cartilage, Articular - pathology; Contrast Media; Genetic animal models; Knee Joint - diagnostic imaging; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Radiology; X-Ray Microtomography - methods; μCT
• ISSN: 8756-3282; 1873-2763
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2022.116632

In vivo micro–Computed Tomography (μCT) 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 μCT. 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. μCT findings showed good correspondence with histological assessment. In conclusion, in vivo intra-articular contrast-enhanced μCT arthrography is viable technique for evaluation of mouse cartilage. In vivo intra-articular contrast enhanced μCT 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. •The μCT arthrogram protocol was developed for imaging mouse knee cartilage.•The protocol can detect cartilage thinning with age in wild type growing mice.•The protocol can detect extracellular matrix loss in transgenic mice.