Animal Imaging Equipment
This information is intended for those researchers who are currently preparing grant applications and are interested in using live animal imaging in proposed experiments.
The UNSW animal imaging facility currently has five small animal imaging systems: MicroCT, X-ray, ultrasound, optical imaging and an intravital microscope. Basic information on the instruments and their capabilities are given below as well as links to websites containing more detailed information. An estimate of the time involved in acquiring an image with each of the instruments is also given. If you require clarification or have queries about specific applications, please contact me directly: Carl Power, Email: c.power@unsw.edu.au, Phone: 9382 2613
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 | IVIS Lumina Optical Imaging System (Xenogen, Alameda, CA, USA)
The IVIS Lumina provides a highly sensitive means to image fluorescent and/or bioluminescent reporters in vivo and in vitro.
The data acquired from the Lumina can be expressed in photons/sec/cm2 providing a quantitative means for comparing data between animals. For bioluminescence, transgenic cells or animals expressing luciferase are administered luciferin, a bioluminescent substrate, prior to imaging. For fluorescent applications, the system currently has four fluorescent filter sets (ranging from blue-green to near infrared wavelengths) The system is capable of imaging up to three mice simultaneously. Data acquisition and analysis are performed using the Living Image software.
More information: http://www.caliperls.com
Note that the luciferin substrate will cost about $10-$15 per mouse. |
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 | Inveon MicroComputed Tomography System (Siemens Medical Solutions, Malvern, PA, USA)
CT uses multiple axial x-rays of the animal to generate cross-sectional information or 3-dimensional reconstructions of the animal or parts of the animal.
The Inveon system has a variable focus X-ray source, which provides resolution of up to 15 nm (sufficient for trabecular bone analysis on mice) and a 125 mm detector (2048 x 3096 pixels) capable of scanning an entire mouse in a single scan. Multiple bed positioning allows for larger animals (rats) to be imaged. Cardiac and respiratory gating is possible using the physiological monitoring and triggering system and animal anaesthesia is maintained with the integrated isoflurane anaesthesia system. Applications include high-resolution assessment of skeletal integrity as well as assessment of soft tissues with the use of contrast agents. The system can also be used for angiography using a blood-pool contrast agent. (Please not that although the Inveon provides the possibility to add PET and SPECT capabilities, currently only CT is available).
More information: http://www.medical.siemens.com |
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 | Vevo 770 Small Animal Ultrasound (Visualsonics, Toronto, Canada)
The Visualsonics dedicated small animal ultrasound system uses frequencies in the 30-80 MHz range to achieve corresponding focal depths of 15 down to 4.5 mm and the capability for resolution in the range of 30µ.
The system incorporates a heated animal stage with isoflurane anaesthesia, an in-built ECG and respiratory monitoring and triggering system and the Integrated Vevo Rail System for positioning of the animal and the ultrasonic scanhead. The system is designed for use with both mice and rats. Applications include cardiology, vascular research, oncology, developmental biology and molecular imaging among others.
More information: http://www.visualsonics.com/
Note that for most applications, no special reagents are required, however, some applications require specialised contrast agents. |
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 | IV100 laser-scanning microscope (Olympus)
This system employs a series of microprobe objectives and a laser-scanning unit to image tissues and cells within the animal with minimally invasive surgery.
The microprobe objectives are inserted into the animal after making a small surgical incision while the animal is anaesthetised. The system is capable of four excitation laser wavelengths (488, 561, 633, 748 nm) and imaging of three fluorescent channels can be acquired simultaneously. A dedicated isoflurane anaesthesia machine is employed to keep the animal under anaesthesia during the procedure and a heated animal pad ensures body temperature is maintained. The system allows for real-time longitudinal fluorescence microscopy to be performed in vivo.
More information: http://www.olympusamerica.com/ |
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 | MX-20 Cabinet X-ray system (Faxitron, Wheeling, IL, USA)
The Faxitron is a dedicated small animal X-ray system primary used for skeletal studies. The system has an integrated digital camera, but conventional radiography film can also be used.
More information: http://www.faxitron.com |
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The following table provides an
indicative estimate of the time required to acquire an image and the number of animals that can be included in an image with each of the systems. Actual times may vary with particular applications.
Instrument | Rats/ Image | Mice/Image | Hours/Image |
| Optical Imaging | 1 | 3 | 0.2 |
| Ultrasound | 1 | 1 | 0.2 |
| Intravital Microscope | 1 | 1 | 0.5+ |
| MicroCT | 1 | 1 | 1 |
The hourly usage charges for instruments have not been determined yet as we are still negotiating but an
indicative price is in the range of $25-$50 per hour. This may vary between instruments.