In Vivo Imaging - IVIS Spectrum CT
In vivo imaging is a powerful technique which can be used to detect light produced by bioluminescent or fluorescent proteins in vivo. Using this non-invasive technology allows for identification of disease pathways, determination of mechanisms of action, evaluation of drug compounds and monitoring of disease progression in living animals.
The IVIS Spectrum CT system at MTC allows for visualization of bioluminescent or fluorescent proteins in up to 5 mice in vivo. If needed, the build in CT scan can image up to two mice simultaneous and provide valuable 3D information on the anatomic position of a signal.
For bioluminescence applications, cells, microbes and/or animals expressing a luciferase gene can be used. After injection of the substrate for the respective luciferase and anesthesia of the mice the emitted light can be detected in the IVIS system. No substrate is needed for detection of signal from cells, microbes and/or animals expressing a fluorescent marker. Due to tissue absorption fluorochromes that emit light of a wavelength shorter than 600 nm (like GFP) are not recommended.
With the build in CT scan bone structures can be clearly visualized. For detection of soft tissues a contrast agent needs to be administered to the mice.
Instrument Booking
The instrument can be booked for periods of 30 min or more, contact Katalin Benedek (08-52486264) for this. We will charge according to the booked time. An on-line booking system is underway. The price for MTC users is 250 SEK/h, for users from other KI departments 400/h and for non-KI academic users 500/h.
