The using of novel technique has enabled the high resolution imaging of damaged lung tissues, the scientist have foundthe consequeces of severe COVID-19 in the structure of the organ’s blood vessels and air sacs, findings that may support the development of new treatment methods against the disease.
According to the study, published in the journal eLife, the scientist have innovated new X-ray technique which has led to high resolution and three-dimensional imaging of lung tissue infected with novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
The researchers from the University of Gottingen in Germany, used new method and noticed significant changes in the blood vessels, inflammation, and the deposition of protein and dead cells on the walls of lungs tiny air sacs called alveoli.
These make the gas exchange by the organ either difficult or impossible. According to the scientists, it is the first time when we are able to visualised the changes that are taking place in larger tissue volumes, without cutting and staining, or damaging the tissue with the new imaging approch.
They said further that its well suited for tracing blood vessels and their branches in three dimensions, localising cells of the immune systems present at inflammation sites and measuring the thickness of the alveolar walls.
The researcher are of view that data could also be used to simulate gas exchange in the organ due to the three dimensional reconstruction of the lung tissues. Since X-ray penetrate deep into tissue, the scientist can use to study the relation between the microscopic tissue structure and the larger function of organ.
“Based on this first proof -of-concept study, we propose multi-scale phase contrast X-ray tomography as a tool to unravel the pathophysiology of COVID-19,” the researchers wrote in the study.
The scientist are of view that this technique development will allow the treatment and medicine to prevent severe lung damage on COVID-19 or to promote recovery.
“It is only when we can clearly see and understand the process of the happening, so that we cqn develop the targeted interventions and drugs,” said Danny Jonigk, a coauthor of the study from Medical University Hannover in Germany.
