The UCSF Physics Research Laboratory maintains several small animal imaging resources in collaboration with other groups. These imaging resources are housed in the MicroPET/CT, MicroSPECT/CT, MicroCT, and Optical Imaging Core Facility at China Basin.
The imaging systems offered under this umbrella include:
- microPET/CT: NanoScan PET123S/CT1512 (Mediso)
- microSPECT/CT: VECTor4/CT (MILab B.V.)
- Bioluminescence/fluorescence imaging systems: IVIS 50 and IVIS 100 (Revity)
- Digital autoradiography: iQID (QScint)
- Automatic gamma counter: HIDEX AMG (Hidex)
We have a video presentation introducing our microPET/SPECT/CT and optical imaging core (Core Technology seminar series, September 27, 2012).
In addition, for most small animal imaging applications, we work closely with the Cancer Center’s Preclinical Therapeutics Core.
All SPECT, PET, CT, Optical, and MRI imaging procedures can be performed as IACUC/LARC Standard Procedures:
- Imaging with SPECT/PET/CT in Mice and Rats
- Optical Imaging in Mice and Rats
- MR Imaging (small animals)
UCSF RIO provides direct links to these imaging SOPs when creating or revising an IACUC protocol.
Sample imaging outputs:
- Sample microPET/CT image: 124I-MIBG in a mouse model of neuroblastoma
- Sample microSPECT/CT movie: 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT overlaid on CT
- Sample microCT images: mouse brain vasculature partially filled with barium sulfate (11 micron pixel size) and liver tumor visualized with IV iodinated contrast agent