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The pitfalls of in vivo imaging techniques: evidence for cellular damage caused by synchrotron X‐ray computed micro‐tomography
Author(s) -
Petruzzellis Francesco,
Pagliarani Chiara,
Savi Tadeja,
Losso Adriano,
Cavalletto Silvia,
Tromba Giuliana,
Dullin Christian,
Bär Andreas,
Ganthaler Andrea,
Miotto Andrea,
Mayr Stefan,
Zwieniecki Maciej A.,
Nardini Andrea,
Secchi Francesca
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.15368
Subject(s) - in vivo , membrane integrity , tomography , xylem , radiation damage , biophysics , biology , synchrotron , x ray , x ray microtomography , nuclear medicine , biomedical engineering , membrane , medicine , radiology , botany , radiation , physics , biochemistry , optics , microbiology and biotechnology
Summary Synchrotron X‐ray computed micro‐tomography (micro CT ) has emerged as a promising noninvasive technique for in vivo monitoring of xylem function, including embolism build‐up under drought and hydraulic recovery following re‐irrigation. Yet, the possible harmful effects of ionizing radiation on plant tissues have never been quantified. We specifically investigated the eventual damage suffered by stem living cells of three different species exposed to repeated micro CT scans. Stem samples exposed to one, two or three scans were used to measure cell membrane and RNA integrity, and compared to controls never exposed to X‐rays. Samples exposed to micro CT scans suffered serious alterations to cell membranes, as revealed by marked increase in relative electrolyte leakage, and also underwent severe damage to RNA integrity. The negative effects of X‐rays were apparent in all species tested, but the magnitude of damage and the minimum number of scans inducing negative effects were species‐specific. Our data show that multiple micro CT scans lead to disruption of fundamental cellular functions and processes. Hence, micro CT investigation of phenomena that depend on physiological activity of living cells may produce erroneous results and lead to incorrect conclusions.