VUMC Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS) - Center for Small Animal Imaging

Overview of Services

What we can do for you

Our center has in vivo and ex vivo imaging capabilities of small animals and tissue samples via magnetic resonance imaging, x-ray/X-ray CT, Positron emission (PET) and single photon emission and bioluminesence/fluorescence imaging.

We provide training for users on ultrasound and optical imaging, and provide expert instrument operators for other modalities. We also provide expert support/training for data/image analysis.

Description

The Center for Small Animal Imaging (CSAI) is a comprehensive resource of state-of-the art biomedical imaging instruments spanning a wide range of modalities, including MRI, X-ray/X-ray CT, PET, SPECT, ultrasound, bioluminescence and fluorescence. These instruments provide a means of quantitative and radiological evaluation of pre-clinical models of disease, including cancers and numerous neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. The CSAI also serves as a primary laboratory for many VUIIS faculty who are active in the development of imaging technologies, including instrument design, molecular imaging innovation, and novel imaging characterization of tissue micro-anatomy and function.

Resources

MRI

• 4.7T (31 cm bore) Varian with dual channel, multinuclear for rats, guinea pigs and rabbits
• 7.0T (16 cm bore) Bruker with single channel for rat and mouse
• 9.4T (21 cm bore) Bruker Avance NEO scanner, multinuclear for rat and mouse
• 15.2T (11cm bore) Bruker BioSpec with cryoprobe for mice

PET, SPECT, and CT

• Siemens Inveon PET/CT for rodent and specimen imaging
• Siemens MicroPET Focus 220 for small-animal and non-human primate
• Bioscan NanoSPECT SPECT/CT for nuclear imaging of small animals)
• Faxitron digital X-ray imaging system
• Scanco microCT40 for high resolution 3D x-ray computed tomography of bone, soft tissues, and synthetic materials with a maximum specimen diameter of 36 mm and isotropic voxel size of 6 um – 80 um
• Scanco microCT50 for high resolution 3D x-ray computed tomography of bone, soft tissues, and synthetic materials with a maximum specimen diameter of 50 mm and isotropic voxel size of 0.5 um – 200 um
• Scanco vivaCT80 for in vivo x-ray computed tomography imaging of small animals with a maximum diameter of 90 mm and isotropic voxel size of 5 um – 360 um

Ultrasound, Optical

• PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum bioluminescent and fluorescent imaging system
• Two CRI Maestro optical imaging systems for in vivo fluorescence
• Visen FMT: Quantitative optical tomography in small animals
• Li-Cor Pearl for small animal optical imaging
• VisualSonics high-resolution ultrasound system

Fully Equipped Animal Preparation, Operation and Monitoring Laboratory

Leadership

Director, Center for Small Animal Imaging:  Mark Does

Manager, Center for Small Animal Imaging: Jarrod True

Director, Small Animal Nuclear Imaging: Todd Peterson

For general questions or assistance:  VUIIS.CSAI@vumc.org

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

1. Core Home Page (includes instrument descriptions)
2. New Project Request
3. Recommended citations for S10-funded intruments