UCSD Moores Cancer Center In Vivo Imaging Shared Resource

The IVISR provides optical, CT, ultrasound, high-resolution planar gamma imaging, and PET of mice and rats, as well as high-resolution digital autoradiography and fluorescent imaging of thin whole body rodent sections. Support and expertise includes imaging physics, biological applications, animal support, image computation, optical hardware and software, diagnostic agent chemistry, preparation of F18 and C-11 labeled radiotracers, and kinetic modeling.

High-resolution optical imaging complements MR and PET imaging by increasing image quantitation and kinetic modeling. High- resolution ultrasound imaging permits quantitation of tumor size, as well as, measurement of left ventricular volume for recovery correction of MR and PET sampled input functions. Most importantly it permits the use of in situ tumor models. A key contribution of ultrasound to cancer research in mice is the ability to image in sterile fashion and to do so without the need for anesthesia. This permits frequent monitoring of tumor growth or regression following interventions.

Services include:

• Computed Tomography
• Positron Emission Tomography
• Optical Imaging
• Gamma Camera Imaging
• Ultrasound
• High Resolution Tissue Imaging
• Image Processing / Kinetic Modeling
• Protocol Development
• Training and Consultation
• Radiochemistry

Equipment include:

• GE eXplore Vista PET
• GE eXplore Locus CT
• GE eXplore Optix
• BioSpace Gamma Camera
• VisualSonics Vevo 770
• Vibratome 20 cm Cryomicrotome
• BioRAD FX-Pro-Plus Molecular Imager