AimTo develop and evaluate a novel multi‐method micro‐computed tomography (μCT) imaging protocol for enhanced visualization of both hard and soft tissues in murine mandibles, addressing the limitations of traditional imaging techniques in dental research.Materials and MethodsWe employed a contrast‐enhanced (CE) μCT imaging technique using Lugol's iodine as a contrast agent to visualize the intricate structures of murine mandibles. The protocol involved the combination of conventional μCT imaging as well as CE‐μCT, including decalcification with EDTA, allowing for simultaneous assessment of hard and soft tissues. The method is compared with standard imaging modalities, and the ability to visualize detailed anatomical features is discussed.ResultsThe CE‐μCT imaging technique provided superior visualization of murine mandibular structures, including dental pulp, periodontal ligaments and the surrounding soft tissues, along with conventional μCT imaging of alveolar bone and teeth. This method revealed detailed anatomical features with high specificity and contrast, surpassing traditional imaging approaches.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate the potential of CE‐μCT imaging with Lugol's iodine as a powerful tool for dental research. This technique offers a comprehensive view of the murine mandible, facilitating advanced studies in tissue engineering, dental pathology and the development of dental materials.

中文翻译：

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小鼠下颌骨的对比增强显微 CT 成像：一种同时进行硬组织和软组织分析的多方法方法


目的开发和评估一种新的多方法显微计算机断层扫描 （μCT） 成像方案，以增强小鼠下颌骨中硬组织和软组织的可视化，解决牙科研究中传统成像技术的局限性。材料和方法我们采用对比增强 （CE） μCT 成像技术，使用 Lugol 碘作为造影剂来可视化小鼠下颌骨的复杂结构。该方案涉及常规 μCT 成像和 CE-μCT 的结合，包括使用 EDTA 脱钙，允许同时评估硬组织和软组织。将该方法与标准成像模式进行了比较，并讨论了可视化详细解剖特征的能力。结果CE-μCT 成像技术提供了小鼠下颌结构的卓越可视化，包括牙髓、牙周韧带和周围软组织，以及牙槽骨和牙齿的常规 μCT 成像。该方法揭示了具有高特异性和对比度的详细解剖特征，超越了传统的成像方法。结论我们的研究结果表明，使用 Lugol 碘进行 CE-μCT 成像作为牙科研究的有力工具的潜力。该技术提供了小鼠下颌骨的全面视图，促进了组织工程、牙科病理学和牙科材料开发的高级研究。