Animal Models for Preclinical Imaging

This chapter focuses on nanomaterials in biomedical imaging animal models that require only basic animal handling and surgical skills used in most research institutions. The goal of preclinical imaging with nanomaterials is to assess the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of imaging agents in healthy animals and/or disease models prior to translational studies and human clinical trials. Proper maintenance of animal health and welfare is also necessary for producing reliable experimental results. Inadequate care can adversely affect imaging results due to infection, inflammation, and alterations of blood flow. Selections of animal models include the following criteria such as similarity in biology to human disease, quality of model, and translation of results to human medicine. Many of the diseases common in humans are represented in the companion animal population as well, including cancer, diabetes, and neurologic injuries and disorders.