Small animal phenotyping and imaging

The SKYSCAN 1176 is a high performance in vivo micro-CT scanner for preclinical research. The large format 11 megapixel x-ray camera gives an unrivalled combination of resolution, image field size and scan speed - everything that is required in a busy and demanding biomedical research laboratory.

Image field width up to 68 mm allows full body mouse and rat scanning. Selectable image resolutions of 9, 18 and 35 µm are available. Variable x-ray applied voltage and filters provide scanning flexibility to allow imaging of a wide range of samples from lung tissue to bone with titanium implants.

The full range of SKYSCAN software is available, including fast volumetric reconstruction, software for 2D / 3D quantitative analysis and for realistic 3D visualization.

In vivo imaging of targeted molecular probes, or molecular imaging, is an emerging field for studying animal models.

Optical imaging is particularly suited for molecular and in vivo cellular imaging, as fluorescent probes are safe, sensitive and can be specifically conjugated to small molecules, antibodies and other proteins.

The Optix system provides accurate recovery of depth and relative fluorophore concentration and enables true 3D representations of fluorophore distribution for whole-body imaging.

The IVIS Spectrum system is an in vivo imaging system that combines 2D optical imaging with 3D optical or tomographic imaging.

The system enables animals to be imaged non-invasively using fluorescence or bioluminescence, enabling longitudinal assessment of disease progression.

The EchoMRI-100/700 is a quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance system for accurate measurements of body composition parameters: total body fat, total body lean, free water and total body water in rats and mice.

Measurements do not require anesthesia or sedation. Equipment set-up and calibration are automatic. Radiation is non-ionizing and highly reproducible. Digital results can be transferred to Excel, ASCII or Access files.

The CLAMS metabolic cage system enables up to 12 mice to be housed in a temperature- and light-controlled environment on a short or medium-term basis. Among other things, the system measures:

• Respiratory quotient: Determines the substrate oxidized by mice
• O₂ consumption/CO₂ production
• Energy expenditure 
• Locomotor activity
• Food (chow) and water consumption
• Continuous mouse weight
• Body temperature (probe implantation required)
• Sleep rate