In vivo and contrast-enhanced ex vivo micro-computed tomography for anatomical imaging of Octodon degus

Octodon degus , a rat-sized rodent species endemic to central Chile, can spontaneously develop human-like pathological conditions in captivity. Its relatively long gestation period of ∼90 days provides an opportunity for studies of embryonic development in comparison to other rodent species. But, as degus are a non-traditional laboratory animal model, imaging applications are hampered by the scarcity of methods that have been implemented for this species. Here, we performed in vivo micro-computed tomography (microCT) on adult degus, as proof of principle for longitudinal studies. We performed ex vivo microCT on degus from embryonic day 41 to adults and obtained high-resolution 3D data sets of embryonic, newborn, and adult heads after contrast enhancement by immersion in the iodine-based Lugol's solution. Our imaging study focused on various brain regions and the nasal turbinates. Contrast-enhanced ex vivo microCT enables the simultaneous visualization in 3D of bone and soft tissues in the head of degus.