Small Animal Imaging Unit

Bioluminescence Imaging

Small animal bioluminescence imaging provides state-of-the-art, noninvasive visualization of luciferase-expressing tissues. The equipment monitors cellular events such as tumor progression and metastasis in living animals. In vivo bioluminescence imaging is also used to evaluate tumor metabolism and cell biology in response to genetic manipulations, pharmacologic agents, and cancer chemotherapy drugs.

Equipment

Spectral Instruments Imaging AMI HT Bioluminescence Imaging System
The AMI HT is capable of imaging up to five animals at a time on a heated platform. It offers both bioluminescent and fluorescent capabilities as well as visual light images for overlay. The instrument requires no calibration and requires very little time to cool the camera prior to imaging. Images can be captured in under a minute, and the system utilizes a user-friendly license-free software so that data analysis can be completed in your lab.

Pricing

There is a charge of $40 per hour for use of the AMI HT system. Payment account information must be provided prior to training or utilization of the equipment.

Request AMI HT Training

Please contact Rebecca Gregory (gregoryr@musc.edu) to schedule training.

Schedule AMI HT Use

The Infinity system is used to schedule time slots on the equipment. You must register for an account with Idea Elan and be linked to a lab and funding source. Once training has been completed, the Core Coordinator will grant access to the scheduling.

Fluorescence Imaging

Small animal fluorescence imaging provides state-of-the-art fluorescence imaging of small animals and can generate anatomical organ maps for co-localization. This allows for imaging of fluorescence-labeled cells (e.g. GFP expressing cancer cells), fluorescent drugs (e.g. anthracyclines), and other compounds tagged by fluorescent probes.

Equipment

PerkinElmer Maestro 2 In Vivo Fluorescence Imaging System
The Maestro 2 features a light-tight enclosure with access ports (e.g. for imaging during injection in catheterized animals), configurable imaging area, tunable multispectral camera, heated imaging chamber, and spectral unmixing at the following wavelengths:

• Six excitation filters: 470 nm (blue) – 740 nm (near infrared)
• 45 emission filters: 500 nm (green) – 950 nm (near infrared) in 10 nm increments 

Pricing

There is a charge of $5 per hour for use of the Maestro system. Payment account information must be provided prior to training or utilization of the equipment.

Schedule Maestro Use

The Infinity system is used to schedule time slots on the equipment. You must register for an account with Idea Elan and be linked to a lab and funding source. Once training has been completed, the Core Coordinator will grant access to the scheduling.

Ultrasound Imaging

Rodent ultrasound allows for real-time imaging + recording of internal structures. The non-invasive procedure can be repeated frequently to create longitudinal data sets.

Equipment

VisualSonics Vevo F2
The Vevo F2 includes capabilities for visualizing blood flow and creating 3D models from scan images. The unique animal platform allows for recording of physiological data, including respiratory rate, heart rate, and temperature. Ultrasound guided injection allows for precise injections into internal organs without the need for surgery.

Pricing

There is a charge of $40 per hour for use of the Vevo F2 system. Payment account information must be provided prior to training or utilization of the equipment.

Request Vevo F2 Training

Please contact Rebecca Gregory (gregoryr@musc.edu) to schedule training.

Schedule Vevo F2 Use

The Infinity system is used to schedule time slots on the equipment. You must register for an account with Idea Elan and be linked to a lab and funding source. Once training has been completed, the Core Coordinator will grant access to the scheduling.

Publication Acknowledgment

If you publish a manuscript including research supported by the Small Animal Imaging Unit, the following text is to be placed in the acknowledgment section: "Supported in part by the Small Animal Imaging Unit, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina (P30 CA138313)."