Small Animal Imaging (Simmons Cancer Center)

The Small Animal Imaging resource provides opportunities for optical imaging of cells in-vitro and growing in animals: notably bioluminescent imaging (BLI), chemiluminescent imaging (CLI), and fluorescent imaging (FLI). State-of-the-art commercial instruments can be used in a high through-put mode to examine tumors developing in animals noninvasively over a period of days or weeks.

Dynamic imaging allows real time noninvasive assessment of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Depth resolved investigations provide 3D insights. Positron emission tomography PET/CT and planar gamma-scintigraphy are available together with a radiolabeling and imaging service.

Our latest instrumentation provides high resolution small animal ultrasound. Capabilities are available both inside the specific pathogen free (SPF) barrier facility and in conventional areas. Investigators may request service imaging or be trained to undertake investigations themselves. The resource can also provide advice on generating new tumor lines and assist with small animal veterinary care and development of optimal protocols for imaging investigations. By centralizing the imaging opportunities, we are able to provide considerable expertise and cost savings for individual investigators.