Characterizing the three-dimensional (3D) morphological alterations of microvessels under both normal and seizure conditions is crucial for a better understanding of epilepsy. However, conventional imaging techniques cannot detect microvessels on micron/sub-micron scales without angiography. In this study, synchrotron radiation (SR)-based X-ray in-line phase-contrast imaging (ILPCI) and quantitative 3D characterization were used to acquire high-resolution, high-contrast images of rat brain tissue under both normal and seizure conditions. The number of blood microvessels was markedly increased on days 1 and 14, but decreased on day 60 after seizures. The surface area, diameter distribution, mean tortuosity, and number of bifurcations and network segments also showed similar trends. These pathological changes were confirmed by histological tests. Thus, SR-based ILPCI provides systematic and detailed views of cerebrovascular anatomy at the micron level without using contrast-enhancing agents. This holds considerable promise for better diagnosis and understanding of the pathogenesis and development of epilepsy.

中文翻译：

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基于同步辐射的癫痫大鼠海马血管结构重构的三维可视化

表征正常和癫痫发作条件下微血管的三维（3D）形态变化对于更好地了解癫痫病至关重要。然而，常规的成像技术在没有血管造影术的情况下不能检测到微米/亚微米级的微血管。在这项研究中，基于同步辐射（SR）的X射线在线相衬成像（ILPCI）和定量3D表征用于在正常和癫痫发作条件下获取大鼠脑组织的高分辨率，高对比度图像。癫痫发作后第1天和第14天，血液微血管数量明显增加，但在第60天减少。表面积，直径分布，平均曲折度以及分叉和网络段的数量也显示出相似的趋势。这些病理变化通过组织学检查证实。因此，基于SR的ILPCI在微米水平上提供了脑血管解剖学的系统详细视图，而无需使用增强剂。这为更好地诊断和了解癫痫的发病机理和发展具有广阔的前景。