Allison Risha
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Megan Killian
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Orthopaedic Surgery / Medicine
Program:
Authors: Allie Risha, Nicole Migotsky , Megan Killian, Adam Abraham
Session: Session 3: 11:00 am – 11: 50 am
Poster: 82
Abstract
The study of tendons has extreme relevance to the world around us. Tendons connect bones and muscles, transferring forces between musculoskeletal tissues. Tendon injuries are difficult to treat due to lack of blood flow surrounding these structures. (1-3) One necessary tool to aid in the study and treatment of our bodies is visualization in 2D and 3D planes. Tendon tissue is difficult to see in 3D due to the lack of mineralization. The makeup of the tissue is “radiotransparent”. This prevents study of tendon phenotypes, their cellular make-up, and injuries. By finding a way to visualize tendons in 3D space, researchers can improve injury treatment, and assess their cellular makeup to aid growth. Microcomputed tomography, or microCT, is one of the leading ways to visualize structures in 3D on a cellular level. On a basic level, microCT uses a light source and detector to capture a 3D image of a structure via “slicing” different views. Mice are commonly used as a research model to help illustrate tendon tears and function. Mouse tendon is difficult to visualize on microCT, and, due to their size, microCT is the only way to obtain a 3D image of a mouse’s musculoskeletal structure. Our goal was to use contrast enhanced microCT to visualize tendons in 3D. Eosin, a bromide based stain, is particularly apt at staining the cytoplasm of cells. To attempt to improve visibility of tendon structures, the Achilles tendons of the mice were dissected and fixed for 24 hours. After fixing the structures were washed, stained in eosin, and scanned by Micro CT and XRM (X-Ray Microscope) machines in various environments (air, PBS, and agar). Using Eosin staining a clear image of a mouse achilles tendon was able to be seen, revealing a way to improve the visualization of tendons for further research.
