High-resolution ex vivo imaging in mouse spinal cord using micro-CT with 11.7T-MRI and myelin staining validation

We investigated the use of micro-CT with contrast agent for the characterization of fixed mouse spinal cord as a means to differentiate between gray and white matter. The spinal cords were soaked in a concentration of nonionic iodinated contrast agent for 14 days. Micro-CT was performed and then compared using 11.7T-MRI images and myelin staining. Soaking the spinal cords in contrast agent resulted in clear differences in signal between the gray and white matter at 3 planes. Micro-CT provides more relevant information on mouse spinal cord GM and WM anatomical structures.

► Micro-CT enables high-resolution ex vivo imaging of mouse spinal cord. ► Micro-CT provides relevant information on GM and WM structures. ► Micro-CT with a contrast agent can produce contrast between GM and WM. ► The contrast between GM and WM is strongly related to their water content.