Preclinical Imaging: Animals, Plants and Materials Imaging
NIF provides access to advanced in vivo micro-CT, in vivo multispectral fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging, in vivo high frequency ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging, large field of view CT and the 9.4T preclinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instrument.
About our preclinical imaging systems
These systems can image anaesthetised small animals such as mice and rats non-invasively with real time physiological monitoring including respiration, animal temperature and heart rate. Animals can be imaged in real time and cells, protein or bacteria tracked over time, to provide a more biologically relevant understanding of tumour growth, disease progression or mechanisms of drug action.
Applications include the study of infectious diseases, oncology, cardiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, musculoskeletal, vascular, respiratory, inflammation, toxicology, metabolism, embryology, animal development, endocrine disruption, drug development and spectroscopy.
WA NIF also provides access to a Large Field-of-View X-Ray CT scanner dedicated for materials imaging and research. Applications range from biomedical, geological, marine science research to archaeology, fossil study and inspection of additively manufactured and other industrial components.
9.4T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses applied magnetic fields to non-invasively (and non-destructively) image samples with non-ionising radiation (unlike X-ray based techniques). MRI can rapidly provide excellent in-vivo soft-tissue image contrast for qualitative analyses, 3D images for quantitative volumetric measurements, and access to parameter maps (for example, MR relaxation, diffusion, flow) related to underlying tissue structure. Rapid imaging techniques can also be used to study dynamic processes, such as the cardiac cycle.
A wide range of MRI experiments are available to study organ function, including blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast (commonly used for functional MRI), perfusion, and vascular imaging. In addition, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) enables in-vivo NMR spectroscopy measurements to be made from predefined volumes of interest and facilitates the linkage of underlying biochemical processes to disease progression, treatment and the like.
MRI studies on nuclei other than protons (H-1) are also possible, including F-19, Na-23, and P-31.
Large Field of View Computed Tomography (CT)
In vivo/ Ex vivo X-ray micro computed tomography (micro-CT)
The Skyscan 1176 system is a live animal X-ray microtomography system which enables high-resolution 3D imaging of anaesthetised mice or rats using low X-ray doses. The system is able to provide morphological detail of tissues including bone, muscle and fat while contrast agents can be used to produce 3D imaging of blood vessels, lymphatics and gastrointestinal spaces.
Variable X-ray applied voltages and filters provide scanning flexibility to allow imaging of a wide range of samples from lung tissue to bone with titanium implants as well as non-animal specimens. The instrument caters for full body mouse and rat scanning and for scanning of distal limbs of bigger animals such as rabbits.
An integrated physiological monitoring subsystem provides breathing and electrocardiogram gating to improve thoracic imaging.
In vivo /Ex vivo multispectral fluorescence imaging and unmixing
In vivo fluorescence imaging detects the light emitted by a fluorescently tagged gene, molecule or cell in an animal and provides non-invasive analyses of the strength of the fluorescent signal. The light emitted by a fluorophore can be measured and analysed over time in the same live animal enabling tracking of gene expression, disease or tumour progression or the effects of a new drug.
More than one fluorescent signal can be imaged in vivo simultaneously. Spectral unmixing techniques can be used to unmix (separate) fluorescent signals (500-950 nm) within the same tissue as well as remove any autofluorescence.
It’s a high throughput technique capable of imaging three mice simultaneously within five minutes of acquisition time.
In vivo/ Ex vivo Bioluminescence imaging
High Frequency Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging
FAQ
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How do I access your preclinical facilities?
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What preparation is needed for my samples / subjects?
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How long does each scan take?
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Do I need to acknowledge WA NIF and its staff in a publication?
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Will I perform the scans myself, and what supervision is available?
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Which system is appropriate for my samples?
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How do I credit WA NIF?
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What analysis and results can I expect?
Location and contact
Email: nif@uwa.edu.au
Address: WA National Imaging Facility
Level 3, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research
QEII Medical Centre campus
Nedlands WA 6009