CTSC:CHBresources:SAIL
Small Animal Imaging Laboratory (SAIL)/Kresge Laboratory
The SAIL has been conceived as a pre-clinical imaging core resource whose primary mission is to support research using small animal models as surrogates for testing and exploring human diseases, diagnoses, treatments, and physiology.
Instrumentations
- microPET Siemens Focus 120 . High-resolution, small-animal PET scanner that combines high spatial resolution (<1.3 mm) and high sensitivity (>7%) with a bore size (12 cm diameter and 7.6 axial length) that is optimized for imaging mice and rats. For radioactive agents, we are routinely imaging 18F 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) and 18F sodium fluoride (NaF). We have imaged 18F fluorothymidine (FLT) and are in the process of developing the capability to image 18F FHBG as well as an 18F labeled αVβ3 imaging agent. <br.
Imaging and Diagnostic Benefits: PET systems allow imaging of metabolic processes relative to anatomical images. SPECT and PET produce a variety of functional images. This has made PET and SPECT invaluable tools for the study of animal models of human disease; transgenic animals; pharmacological agents in drug development; novel drug delivery and gene therapy approaches; new molecular imaging assays; and new radiotracers for use in diagnostic imaging. PET and SPECT have been invaluable in understanding, diagnosing or staging of cancers and neurological diseases such as epilepsy.
- microCAT II Siemens High-resolution (27 microns in standard mode and 15 microns in high-resolution mode) CT scanner designed specifically for imaging small animals such as mice and rats, as well as specimens. The radiation detector is configurable such that, for mice, the transaxial field of view is 5.4 cm and the axial field of view is 8 cm, whereas for rats, the transaxial field of view is 8 cm and the axial field of view is 5.4 cm. We have utilized microCT for tumor imaging, for anatomical correlation for our microPET studies as well as for ex vivo imaging (e.g. structural analysis of porcine cardiac valves). The host computer for the MicroCAT II is a dual 3.2 GHz processor workstation with 2 GB of RAM and a 600 GB RAID storage system and a high resolution 20.0 inch flat-panel display. A separate processing system is used for real-time reconstruction. This system uses two processors to generate 512 x 512 x 768 voxel image volumes in real time during a scan.
Imaging and Diagnostic Benefits: CT has been used extensively to assess trauma and detect and stage certain tumor types and their response to therapy. One of the most powerful applications of CT has been in multimodal imaging involving registration with PET or SPECT data to provide high resolution anatomical and functional information. The Siemens MicroCAT II has proven an essential complementary imaging device in the setting of registration with Siemens Focus 120 microPET images, effectively increasing the quality and accuracy of the imaging data that is generated.
- Ultrasound VisualSonics Vevo 2100 . The laboratory is equipped with a VisualSonics Vevo 2100 small animal ultrasound system. This is a high-resolution instrument (30 microns) that can also image at high speed (up to 100 frames per second). It is capable of imaging in 3D mode as well as M mode, and can also provide pulsed wave Doppler imaging. The device is equipped with two transducers (25 and 40 MHz) and the Vevo Integrated Rail System, which facilitates alignment of the mouse and the probe as well as image-guided injection, when necessary. The table is heated and includes sensor pads for monitoring the animal during examination. The system is routinely used for cardiac imaging in small animals.
- MRI BioSpec Bruker 7T.
- ADC/XRE Unicath SP fluoroscope. Large-animal fluoroscopy is available using an ADC/XRE Unicath SP single-plane cardiovascular digital angiography unit with a high-resolution fluoroscopy tube, an advanced image intensifier with full-frame zoom, and an image analysis workstation.
- Small solid state gamma camera. For planar Imaging.
- Faxitron MX-20 Specimen Radiograph System. It provides high-resolution x-ray images of mice and small rats (the system includes a gas anesthesia system) as well the ability to obtain radiographic images of excised tissue samples. The x-ray tube can operate at voltages ranging from 10 to 35 kVp with a maximum tube current of 300 A. The focal spot is 20 um allowing for very high spatial resolution. The system is mounted on a cart and can be moved around the laboratory as necessary.
Contact
S. Ted Treves, MD, Director [1]
Frederic Fahey, D.Sc [2]
Frederick Grant, MD [3]
Alan B. Packard, PhD [4]
Robert V. Mulkern, PhD [5]
