Fascinating Femurs!! A 6-micron look into mouse bone structure

Authors

• DR Donahue
• VM Diaz
• BA Klaunberg

Abstract

Known genetic modifications can alter bone quality in a variety of ways. Additionally, unexpected outcomes occasionally occur during manipulation of unrelated genes, sometimes leading to further discovery of gene function. Methods used to examine the skeletal structures of mice include subjective analysis (“mice appear smaller”) as well as more quantitative methods. One can take linear measurements to compare long bones between wild type and affected animals. Radiographs are an excellent method to see inner bone structure in-vivo and ex-vivo. Subjective and expert analysis can be made from these images. Computed tomography offers a method to see the bone in 3-dimensions in-vivo or ex-vivo. Subtle changes that may be difficult to detect with the naked eye can manifest with data analysis. Long bone analysis typically turns to high-resolution micro-CT to determine quantitative results of trabecular, cortical and whole femur measurements. Here we take an in-depth look at 6-micron resolution micro-CT scans of mouse femurs and what can be accomplished with this data. In addition to planar measurements, we can present bone mineral density, trabecular structural analysis, 3D volume renderings, and density/internal bone structural changes as you deviate from the growth plate. This information can be vitally important to any study with changes in bone morphology. The Mouse Imaging Facility (MIF) specializes in training investigators to acquire and analyze this type of data.

Scientific Focus Area: Developmental Biology

This page was last updated on Friday, March 26, 2021