LAUSR

BACKGROUND Histological assessment of peripheral nerve regeneration in animals is tedious, time-consuming and challenging for three-dimensional analysis. NEW METHOD The present study reports on how and to what extent micro computed tomography of paraffin-embedded samples can provide a reliable three-dimensional approach for quantitative analysis of peripheral nerves. RESULTS Rat sciatic nerves were harvested, formalin-fixated, positioned into nerve conduits (NC), paraffin-embedded, and imaged using a laboratory-based X-ray microtomography system with an isotropic voxel length of 4μm. Suitable quantitative measures were identified and automatically evaluated, i.e. nerve length, cross-sectional area and volume, as well as vascular structures, to be used as an assessment and comparison indicator of regeneration quality. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Compared to imaging using contrast agents, the investigated specimens can subsequently undergo the conventional histological analysis without requiring additional preparation steps. Contrast and spatial resolution are also increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the potential of the micro computed tomography for non-destructive monitoring of peripheral nerves inside the conduits.