3DVascNet: An Automated Software for Segmentation and Quantification of Mouse Vascular Networks in 3D.

Journal: Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology
Published Date:

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Analysis of vascular networks is an essential step to unravel the mechanisms regulating the physiological and pathological organization of blood vessels. So far, most of the analyses are performed using 2-dimensional projections of 3-dimensional (3D) networks, a strategy that has several obvious shortcomings. For instance, it does not capture the true geometry of the vasculature and generates artifacts on vessel connectivity. These limitations are accepted in the field because manual analysis of 3D vascular networks is a laborious and complex process that is often prohibitive for large volumes.

Authors

  • Hemaxi Narotamo
  • Margarida Silveira
    Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Portugu's do Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Cláudio A Franco
    Instituto de Medicina Molecular-João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina (H.N., C.A.F.), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.