Optical Tissue Clearing Enables Three-Dimensional Morphometry in Experimental Nerve Regeneration Research

Abstract

Novel optical tissue clearing techniques enable three-dimensional imaging of entire organs at a subcellular resolution while preserving tissue architecture and fluorescence. In conjunction with computational image segmentation and automated analysis, these techniques provide fast and precise three-dimensional morphometry. Here, we present a tissue clearing protocol adapted to nerves and their motor and sensory targets in experimental rat models. Given their rapid processing times, low costs, and wide-ranging applicability, these techniques are likely to be a key technology for future nerve repair studies.

Keywords: Image segmentation; Morphometry; Nerve regeneration; Peripheral nerve; Three-dimensional imaging; Tissue clearing.