Preclinical Imaging

photo credits: Copyright Medical University Graz

Micro computed tomography (SkyScan 1276© by Bruker) is a high-resolution, non-invasive radiographic imaging technique that can be used for both pathological and physiological analysis in vivo as well as for in vitro surface and structural analysis of materials and implants. Thanks to well-developed contrast agents, it is possible not only to visualize bones but also to examine soft tissues. Maximum resolution in vivo is 9 micron, for ex vivo analysis 5 micron.

Some of the main fields of application are:

• Bone densiometry
• Cancer research
• Whole body fat measurement
• Material analysis

CONTACT
Beate Rinner
Medical University of Graz
cellbank@medunigraz.at

photo credits: Copyright Medical University Graz

The non-invasive micro-ultrasound imaging system Vevo3100 by FujiFilm VisualSonics is to monitor long-term studies and imaging-guided applications. The powerful combination of high frame rates and advanced image processing reduces speckle noise and artefacts, preserving important information for in vivo studies on small animals. The main fields of applications are cardiology, developmental and pregnancy research, abdominal screening and cancer research.

• Color and Power Doppler Modes for blood flow quantification & anatomical identification
• 3D-Mode Imaging & Volume Analysis
• VevoStrain™ Analysis software for cardiac research

CONTACT
Beate Rinner Medical
University of Graz
pci@medunigraz.at

photo credits: Copyright Medical University Graz

Imaging, Lago OncoMed Solution) provides unrivaled sensitivity for bioluminescence and fluorescence (including Near-infrared) in vivo imaging. The instrument is equipped with LED based illumination, a -90°C cooled Camera, 14 wavelengths/20 filters (no need to filter change), and a 10 Mouse capacity. The optical imaging system studies disease progression, therapy response, and cell migration in small animal models.

CONTACT
Beate Rinner
Medical University of Graz
pci@medunigraz.at

photo credits: Copyright Medical University Graz

MRI is able to enhance the informative value of all in vivo studies in addition to being non-invasive, allowing for multiple in vivo readouts during a single imaging session and following therapeutic effects over time in the same animal (each animal serves as its own control). In close cooperation with the Medical University of Graz the Core Facility for Preclinical Imaging operates a 7 Tesla small animal MRI system at the Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz.

The 7T system is optimized for the use on mice and rats and in vivo MRI protocols cover:

• Cardiovascular imaging
• Quantitative blood flow measurements, perfusion measurements
• Volumetric/quantitative fat imaging
• 1H spectroscopy of brain metabolites
• Water diffusion and diffusion tensor imaging
• Tumor imaging and cancer staging
• Cell tracking

CONTACT
Clemens Diwoky
University of Graz
clemens.diwoky@uni-graz.at

The ColoView® System offers the possibility to perform a colonoscopy and tissue biopsy in mice and rats. For different inflammatory diseases of the colon or for the investigation of colon carcinoma models it is important to observe the course of the disease or gain tissues for further investigations at different time points of the disease. With the ColoView® System it is possible to track the pathogenic changes in the same animal over time by performing short interventions under anesthesia.

CONTACT
Tarek Moustafa
Medical University of Graz
tarek.moustafa@medunigraz.at