In vivo micro-computed tomography imaging in liver tumor study of mice using Fenestra VC and Fenestra HDVC

Contrast agents are used to enhance the visibility of rodent organs during in vivo micro-computed tomography imaging. Specifically, this non-invasive technique can study liver tumor growth and progression in small animals. Fenestra VC and the novel Fenestra HDVC were compared for enhancement in the liver of healthy and tumor-bearing mice, and the images were compared for their ability to define the tumor border, volume and quantity of tumors. Fenestra VC and Fenestra HDVC were injected into healthy eight-week-old female mice (C57BL/6) via the tail vein then imaged at seven different time points. The experimental results showed that 0.005 mL/g of Fenestra HDVC resulted in the same enhancement for all eight organs as 0.01 mL/g of Fenestra VC across all time points. For the tumor study, B16F10 tumors were surgically introduced into ten eight-week-old female mice (C57BL/6) then imaged in vivo over a 3 day period. Ex vivo micro-CT images of the excised livers were also obtained. The tumor volume and quantity were measured in each image, and the tumour progression observed over 3 days. We showed Fenestra HDVC is effective for in vivo imaging in rodents because the optimal enhancement level in organs is maintained at a reduced injection volume.