The Small Animal Imaging Facility at GCCRI has acquired an optical scanner from Xenogen Corp. (Xenogen IVIS 200 imaging system), which performs fluorescence and bioluminescent imaging. This imager can be used for real-time study of cellular and genetic activity in living organisms and ex-vivo tissues. The fluorescence and bioluminescent imaging are integrated together enabling easy switching between imaging applications. The system can be used for quantitative study of in vitro and in vivo assays using reporter cells tagged with both fluorescence and bioluminescence. The system first acquires a normal photograph of the subject and then superimposes a fluorescent or bioluminescent photon intensity values over the normal picture. The system has high degree of light sensitivity and can theoretically detect and quantify light from a very small number of cells.
Pictured above is a luminescent image obtained from two mice, one containing an activated firefly luciferase gene in every cell of the body (left) and the other a control (right), both injected with D-Luciferin. The mouse expressing luciferase is seen to emit bioluminescence. Bioluminescence activity is normally present less than 90 minutes. The control mouse injected with similar quantity of D-Luciferin does not show any bioluminescence activity.
Investigators wishing to scan live animals using the Optical scanner should first amend their IACUC protocol to include the use of sedation and usage of appropriate contrast agents. 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). This holder will attenuate about 8-20% of signal. Investigators will receive the results on a CD or DVD, and a small chargeback fee will be for technician time and materials will be generated. To design studies, a 1 hour consultation for $25 can be arranged with Ali Bahadur, Manager of Small Animal Imaging.
Investigators interested in pilot experiment scans ($75), or letters of support for their grants should contact Small Animal Imaging Facility Director, Dr. Charles Keller or Manager, Suresh Prajapati.
Fiducial Markers for Optical Imaging
Small Animall Imaging Facility - Image Gallery