Open AccessThree-dimensional virtual histology of the human hippocampus based on phase-contrast computed tomography
Author(s) -
Marina Eckermann,
Bernhard Schmitzer,
Franziska van der Meer,
Jonas Franz,
Ove Hansen,
Christine Stadelmann,
Tim Salditt
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2113835118
Subject(s) - cytoarchitecture , hippocampal formation , dentate gyrus , euchromatin , neuroscience , biology , pathology , heterochromatin , medicine , chromatin , dna , genetics
Significance We demonstrate multiscale phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography (CT) of postmortem human brain tissue. Large tissue volumes can be covered by parallel-beam CT and combined with subcellular detail for selected regions scanned at high magnification. This has been repeated identically for a larger number of individuals, including both Alzheimer’s-diseased patients and a control group. Optimized phase retrieval, followed by automated segmentation based on machine learning, as well as feature identification and classification based on optimal transport theory, indicates a pathway from healthy to pathological structure without prior hypothesis. This study provides a blueprint for studying the cytoarchitecture of the human brain and its alterations associated with neurodegenerative diseases.