µCt and virtual histology data of rat hind legs, Collagenase induced osteoarthritis rat model with experimental treatment (PMOXA)

Basic Setup:
This dataset includes samples from 40 rats, each contributing both hind legs. All rats receive a collagenase injection into the left knee to induce osteoarthritis (CIOA), while the right knee remains uninvolved by osteoarthritis induction and serves as an internal control. In addition to the collagenase, half of the animals recieve a treatment injection in both knees to allow analysis of local treatment effects and any potential impact on healthy joints. Samples are stained with a 1% phosphotungstic acid (PTA) solution in 70% ethanol for 22 hours before imaging to enhance soft tissue contrast.

Experimental Groups and Timeline:
All animals are divided into two treatment groups:

CIOA + Saline Group: Rats receive saline injections in both knees following collagenase injections into the left knee. This group serves as the control for treatment.

CIOA + PMOXA Group: Rats receive PMOXA (poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)) injections in both knees after CIOA induction. This setup allows evaluation of PMOXA’s therapeutic effect on the diseased joint and assessment of any unintended impact on the healthy (right) knee. PMOXA's properties and previous applications are described in the literature (https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.7b01828).

Each group is further divided based on the post-injection time point for euthanasia:

CIOA + Saline Group:
10 days post-CIOA (N = 10 per group)
60 days post-CIOA (N = 10 per group)
CIOA + PMOXA Group:
10 days post-CIOA (N = 10 per group)
60 days post-CIOA (N = 10 per group)

Imaging and Documentation:
Knee joints are imaged using a Bruker 1272 µCT scanner, which provides high-resolution 3D visualization of bone and joint structures. Histological analysis is also performed to assess tissue-level changes. The accompanying readme file provides detailed imaging parameters.