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Small Animal Imaging Laboratory at
Children's Hospital Boston |
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In recognition of the value of small animal imaging to the research community, Children's Hospital Boston has committed to developing a state-of-the-art Small Animal Imaging Laboratory. The instrumentation available to researchers includes:
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- Siemens Focus 120 microPET
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The Siemens Focus 120 MicroPET is a high-resolution, small animal PET scanner that combines high
spatial resolution (<1.3 mm) and high sensitivity (>7%) with a bore size (12 cm diameter and 7.6 axial
length) that is optimized for imaging mice and rats. Among commercially available radioactive agents,
we are routinely imaging with 18F 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) and 18F sodium fluoride. We have also carried out some microPET studies with 18F fluorothymidine (FLT) provided by the Division of Nuclear Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital; we have validated the synthesis of 18F FHBG and have carried out preliminary studies with this tracer; and we are developing a new 18F-labeled αvβ3 imaging agent.
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The Siemens microCAT II is a high-resolution (27 microns in standard mode and 15 microns in high-resolution mode) CT scanner designed specifically for imaging small animals such as mice and rats.
The radiation detector is configurable such that, for mice, the transaxial field of view is 5.4 cm and the
axial field of view is 8 cm; whereas, for rats, the transaxial field of view is 8 cm and the axial field of
view is 5.4 cm. We have utilized microCT for tumor imaging, for anatomical correlation for microPET studies, and for ex vivo imaging (e.g., structural analysis of porcine cardiac valves).
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- VisualSonics Vevo 770 ultrasound
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The laboratory is equipped with a VisualSonics Vevo 770 small animal ultrasound system. This is a
high-resolution instrument (30 microns) that can also image at high speed (up to 100 frames per
second). It is capable of imaging in 3D mode as well as M mode, and can also provide pulsed wave
Doppler imaging. The device is equipped with two transducers (25 and 40 MHz) and the Vevo
Integrated Rail System, which facilitates alignment of the mouse and the probe as well as image-guided
injection, when necessary. The table is heated and includes sensor pads for monitoring the animal
during examination. The system is routinely used for cardiac imaging in small animals.
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- ADC/XRE Unicath SP fluoroscopy
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Large-animal fluoroscopy is available using an ADC/XRE Unicath SP single-plane cardiovascular digital
angiography unit with a high-resolution fluoroscopy tube, an advanced image intensifier with full-frame
zoom, and an image analysis workstation.
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- Faxitron MX-20 Specimen Radiograph System x-ray
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The Faxitron MX-20 Specimen Radiograph System provides high-resolution x-ray images of mice and
small rats (the system includes a gas anesthesia system) as well the ability to obtain radiographic
images of excised tissue samples. The x-ray tube can operate at voltages ranging from 10 to 35 kVp
with a maximum tube current of 300 �A. The focal spot is 20 �m allowing for very high spatial
resolution. The system is mounted on a cart and can be moved around the laboratory as necessary.
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