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Utilizing Iodine to Image Alligator Soft Tissue Structures With Micro‐CT

Micro‐computerized tomography (micro‐CT) is utilized to image tissues that can attenuate x‐rays (e.g. bone), however it also has the ability to image soft tissue with application of a contrast agent. There has been little exploration of neural developmental anatomy within the Alligator mississippiensis species. Previous work has indicated that Lugol's iodine solutions are a viable contrast agent to image embryonic and soft tissue structures with micro‐CT. In the current study, Lugol's Iodine (5% KI) was diluted to a 0.625% iodine concentration. Individual alligator embryos ranging in age from 5‐55 days were immersed in the solution for 48 hours. The samples were scanned in the sagittal plane at 55kV, 0.3‐second integration time, using a range of resolutions from 12‐30µm isotropic voxels depending on the size of the sample. This technique provided increased contrast that enabled discrete visualization of organs (i.e. heart and liver), muscles, bone (i.e. mandible, spine, cranium), and neural structures. Specific neural structures that have been identified include ventricles, regions of the brain, and pharyngeal arches. The anatomy of these structures offers the potential to delineate developmental stages from formation of the neural tube to hatchling maturation. Data from this study will be utilized to create an atlas of development of this species, and the technique will be applied to future studies involving hatchling alligators. Furthermore, 3D images generated will also aid in advancing teaching in veterinary medicine to improve comprehension of grossly indistinguishable structures that are vital to education of future veterinarians.