Figure 5:

Preservation of in situ architecture: micro-CT and histology comparison.

(A-C) Micro-CT sectioning with colorized overlay. (D-I) Histology sections stained with H&E (D-F) and Masson’s trichrome (G-I). Each column is a single sample with the micro-CT image matched to the relative H&E slide. Column 1 (segmentation) illustrates the micro-CT segmenting capabilities of iohexol stained atherosclerotic vessels. Column 2 (preservation) shows the preservation of sample integrity by micro-CT with contrast agent, whereas tissue damage may occur with histology sectioning. Column 3 (calcium) indicates calcium segmentation by micro-CT without contrast matched to positive H&E staining of calcium phosphate at the base of the plaque structure. Both columns 2 and 3 reflect vessel structure at the site of an arterial branch point.