In March 2005, the GCCRI received a small animal computed tomography (CT) scanner for use with sacrificed or live animals. Uses include anatomy, bone mineral density, bone mineral content, body fat content, and angiogenesis index. This GE Healthcare eXplore RS scanner can be used to differentiate bone from tissue/water from fat from air. Scanned areas can be reconstructed into 2- or 3- dimensional images at resolutions of 27 - 93 micron resolution (living animals are scanned at 46+ microns). With use of eternal (oral) barium or intravenous iodine contrast agents, other structures such as the gastrointestinal tract or the vascular system can be visualized. Without contrast, only skeletal structures can be seen with detail. Limitations of the system include the inability to see texture in soft tissue, and the unavoidable delivery of small to moderate doses of radiation to the animal. Future capabilities based upon the availability of funds may include a synchronized small animal ventilator for prolonged, high resolution scans of the heart and lungs. Investigators can at this time have sacrificed animals scanned. Investigators wishing to scan live animals should first amend their IACUC protocol to include the use of sedation, the use of contrast agents, and the use of radiation for these scans. Because the scanner is located in the GCCRI infection-free animal barrier facility, investigators will be required to place their animals in an isolator that is transferred across the barrier through a pass-through (non-alive specimens must be in a sealed, air-tight container). Investigators will receive a CD or DVD containing their results of their scan, and a small charge back fee will be for technician time and materials will be generated. To design studies, a 1 hour consultation for $25 can be arranged with Suresh Prajapati, Manager of Small Animal Imaging. Investigators interested in pilot experiment ($75) scans, or letters of support for their grants should contact Small Animal Imaging Facility Director, Dr. Charles Keller; or Manager, Suresh Prajapati.

 

Small Animal Imaging Facility - Image Gallery

A high power rendering workstation (Dell Precision 670N, Xenon 3.6 GHZ Processor, 8GB RAM, Nvidia Quadro FX3400 256 MB Video Card, Red Hat, Linux) running state of the art software is now available to The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio faculty and staff. Opportunities also exist to increase the information content of your data (qualitatively & quantitatively) by an academic collaboration with the University of Utah's Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute.