TY - JOUR AB - ObjectiveHigh-resolution non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) imaging of chondrocytes in articular cartilage remains elusive. The aim of this study was to explore whether laboratory micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) permits imaging cells within articular cartilage.DesignBovine osteochondral plugs were prepared four ways: in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or 70% ethanol (EtOH), both with or without phosphotungstic acid (PTA) staining. Specimens were imaged with micro-CT following two protocols: 1) absorption contrast (AC) imaging 2) propagation phase-contrast (PPC) imaging. All samples were scanned in liquid. The contrast to noise ratio (C/N) of cellular features quantified scan quality and were statistically analysed. Cellular features resolved by micro-CT were validated by standard histology.ResultsThe highest quality images were obtained using propagation phase-contrast imaging and PTA-staining in 70% EtOH. Cellular features were also visualised when stained in PBS and unstained in EtOH. Under all conditions PPC resulted in greater contrast than AC (p < 0.0001 to p = 0.038). Simultaneous imaging of cartilage and subchondral bone did not impede image quality. Corresponding features were located in both histology and micro-CT and followed the same distribution with similar density and roundness values.ConclusionsThree-dimensional visualisation and quantification of the chondrocyte population within articular cartilage can be achieved across a field of view of several millimetres using laboratory-based micro-CT. The ability to map chondrocytes in 3D opens possibilities for research in fields from skeletal development through to medical device design and treatment of cartilage degeneration. AU - Clark,J AU - Garbout,A AU - Rodrigues,Mendes Ferreira S AU - Javaheri,B AU - Pitsillides,A AU - Rankin,S AU - Jeffers,J AU - Hansen,U DO - 10.1016/j.joca.2019.10.007 EP - 111 PY - 2020/// SN - 1063-4584 SP - 102 TI - Propagation phase-contrast micro-computed tomography allows laboratory-based three-dimensional imaging of articular cartilage down to the cellular level T2 - Osteoarthritis and Cartilage UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2019.10.007 UR - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1063458419312427?via%3Dihub UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/73778 VL - 28 ER -