Small Animal Imaging

The Small Animal Imaging Core offers in vivo and ex vivo imaging services utilizing micro CT and ultrasound.

Equipment & Technology:

• Scanco vivaCT 40 (10.5 µm resolution)
• VisualSonics Vevo F2

Services Available:

Micro CT

The micro-computed tomography (micro CT) core provides in vivo and ex vivo high-resolution assessments of density, geometry and microarchitecture of mineralized tissues, such as bones and teeth, calcification as result of pathology, or soft tissues and biomaterials stained with radiographic contrast media.

• Bone imaging and analysis (femur, tibia, L5 vertebra, humerus)
• Fat imaging and analysis
• Longitudinal studies of bone development
• Soft tissue imaging
• Customized project development

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is currently only available in house and for mice from approved vendors.

• Echocardiography
• Anatomical/morphological imaging
• Tumor volume determination
• Targeted and non-targeted microbubble imaging
• Blood flow quantification

In Vivo Imaging

The In Vivo Imaging offers complete services for non-destructive, longitudinal optical imaging and analysis of mice, allowing for analysis of a wide array of analyses. Within the imaging room there is a complete setup for mouse or model preparation, isoflurane anesthesia (XGI-8 anesthesia system), and mouse imaging/data acquisition using the Caliper Lumina LT in vivo imaging system (IVIS) (Cat # CLS136331, PerkinElmer) with bioluminescent and fluorescent capabilities, containing 4 emission filters and 10 excitation filters (shown below). We also have the Caliper XFOV-24 Lens attachment enabling imaging of up to 5 mice simultaneously. We have 5 licenses for image analysis software that can be shared as needed allowing either the user or the Core to perform or assist with data analysis.

Services Available with or without Core Director Assistance:

• Experimental Design and Protocol Optimization
• Fluorescent Imaging, Quantification, and Data Analysis
• Bioluminescent Imaging, Quantification, and Data Analysis