scholarly journals Non-Invasive in vivo Imaging in Small Animal Research

2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 127-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Koo ◽  
P. W. Hamilton ◽  
K. Williamson

Non-invasive real time in vivo molecular imaging in small animal models has become the essential bridge between in vitro data and their translation into clinical applications. The tremendous development and technological progress, such as tumour modelling, monitoring of tumour growth and detection of metastasis, has facilitated translational drug development. This has added to our knowledge on carcinogenesis. The modalities that are commonly used include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), bioluminescence imaging, fluorescence imaging and multi-modality imaging systems. The ability to obtain multiple images longitudinally provides reliable information whilst reducing animal numbers. As yet there is no one modality that is ideal for all experimental studies. This review outlines the instrumentation available together with corresponding applications reported in the literature with particular emphasis on cancer research. Advantages and limitations to current imaging technology are discussed and the issues concerning small animal care during imaging are highlighted.

Author(s):  
Zachary Fralish ◽  
Ethan M. Lotz ◽  
Taylor Chavez ◽  
Alastair Khodabukus ◽  
Nenad Bursac

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized cholinergic synaptic interface between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber that translates presynaptic electrical impulses into motor function. NMJ formation and maintenance require tightly regulated signaling and cellular communication among motor neurons, myogenic cells, and Schwann cells. Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) can result in loss of NMJ function and motor input leading to paralysis or even death. Although small animal models have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the NMJ structure and function, the complexities of studying this multi-tissue system in vivo and poor clinical outcomes of candidate therapies developed in small animal models has driven the need for in vitro models of functional human NMJ to complement animal studies. In this review, we discuss prevailing models of NMDs and highlight the current progress and ongoing challenges in developing human iPSC-derived (hiPSC) 3D cell culture models of functional NMJs. We first review in vivo development of motor neurons, skeletal muscle, Schwann cells, and the NMJ alongside current methods for directing the differentiation of relevant cell types from hiPSCs. We further compare the efficacy of modeling NMDs in animals and human cell culture systems in the context of five NMDs: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Finally, we discuss further work necessary for hiPSC-derived NMJ models to function as effective personalized NMD platforms.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren L. Radford ◽  
Solana Fernandez ◽  
Rebecca Beacham ◽  
Retta El Sayed ◽  
Renata Farkas ◽  
...  

Overexpression of folate receptors (FRs) on different tumor types (e.g., ovarian, lung) make FRs attractive in vivo targets for directed diagnostic/therapeutic agents. Currently, no diagnostic agent suitable for positron emission tomography (PET) has been adopted for clinical FR imaging. In this work, two 55Co-labeled albumin-binding folate derivatives-[55Co]Co-cm10 and [55Co]Co-rf42-with characteristics suitable for PET imaging have been developed and evaluated. High radiochemical yields (≥95%) and in vitro stabilities (≥93%) were achieved for both compounds, and cell assays demonstrated FR-mediated uptake. Both 55Co-labeled folate conjugates demonstrated high tumor uptake of 17% injected activity per gram of tissue (IA/g) at 4 h in biodistribution studies performed in KB tumor-bearing mice. Renal uptake was similar to other albumin-binding folate derivatives, and liver uptake was lower than that of previously reported [64Cu]Cu-rf42. Small animal PET/CT images confirmed the biodistribution results and showed the clear delineation of FR-expressing tumors.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 496-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Airas ◽  
Eero Rissanen ◽  
Juha Rinne

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease, where several processes can be selected as a target for positron emission topography (PET) imaging. Unlike magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PET provides specific and quantitative information, and unlike neuropathology, it can be non-invasively applied to living patients, which enables longitudinal follow-up of the MS pathology. In the study of MS, PET can be useful for in vivo evaluation of specific pathological characteristics at various stages of the disease. Increased understanding of the progressive MS pathology will enhance the treatment options of this undertreated condition. The ultimate goal of developing and expanding PET in the study of MS is to have clinical non-invasive in vivo imaging biomarkers of neuroinflammation that will help to establish prognosis and accurately measure response to therapeutics. This topical review provides an overview of the promises and challenges of the use of PET in MS.


2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 989-994 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R Owen ◽  
Qi Guo ◽  
Nicola J Kalk ◽  
Alessandro Colasanti ◽  
Dimitra Kalogiannopoulou ◽  
...  

Positron emission tomography (PET) targeting the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is used to quantify neuroinflammation. Translocator protein is expressed throughout the brain, and therefore a classical reference region approach cannot be used to estimate binding potential ( BP ND). Here, we used blockade of the TSPO radioligand [11C]PBR28 with the TSPO ligand XBD173, to determine the non-displaceable volume of distribution ( V ND), and hence estimate the BP ND. A total of 26 healthy volunteers, 16 high-affinity binders (HABs) and 10 mixed affinity binders (MABs) underwent a [11C]PBR28 PET scan with arterial sampling. Six of the HABs received oral XBD173 (10 to 90 mg), 2 hours before a repeat scan. In XBD173-dosed subjects, V ND was estimated via the occupancy plot. Values of BP ND for all subjects were calculated using this V ND estimate. Total volume of distribution ( V T) of MABs (2.94 ± 0.31) was lower than V T of HABs (4.33 ± 0.29) ( P<0.005). There was dose-dependent occupancy of TSPO by XBD173 (ED50 = 0.34 ± 0.13 mg/kg). The occupancy plot provided a V ND estimate of 1.98 (1.69, 2.26). Based on these V ND estimates, BP ND for HABs is approximately twice that of MABs, consistent with predictions from in vitro data. Our estimates of [11C]PBR28 V ND and hence BP ND in the healthy human brain are consistent with in vitro predictions. XBD173 blockade provides a practical means of estimating V ND for TSPO targeting radioligands.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liubov A. Osminkina ◽  
Victor Yu. Timoshenko

AbstractPorous silicon (PSi) can activate (sensitize) biochemical reactions and physical processes of the energy dissipation under excitation (stimulus) by light illumination, ultrasound (US), and electromagnetic radiofrequency (RF) irradiation. Photosensitized biochemical effects of PSi layers and nanoparticles (NPs)were explored in numerous physical studies and biomedical experiments in vitro. The photothermal sensitizing with mesoporous PSi NPs was demonstrated to be efficient for the hyperthermia of cancer cells and tumors in small animal models. The sonosensitizing properties of bare PSi NPs and dextran-coated ones were revealed by both the physical studies and biomedical experiments, which indicated a good prospect for their applications in sonodynamic therapy of cancer. RF-induced hyperthermia sensitized by PSi NPs has been successfully used to destroy cancer cells and tumors in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Here, we review the results on the preparation, physical properties, and applications of PSi NPs as sensitizers for mild therapy of cancer.


Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1458
Author(s):  
Francesca Benedetti ◽  
Vincenzo Sorrenti ◽  
Alessandro Buriani ◽  
Stefano Fortinguerra ◽  
Giovanni Scapagnini ◽  
...  

Balanced nutrition and appropriate dietary interventions are fundamental in the prevention and management of viral infections. Additionally, accurate modulation of the inflammatory response is necessary to achieve an adequate antiviral immune response. Many studies, both in vitro with mammalian cells and in vivo with small animal models, have highlighted the antiviral properties of resveratrol, rapamycin and metformin. The current review outlines the mechanisms of action of these three important compounds on the cellular pathways involved with viral replication and the mechanisms of virus-related diseases, as well as the current status of their clinical use.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara Scussolini ◽  
Vanessa Cossu ◽  
Cecilia Marini ◽  
Gianmario Sambuceti ◽  
Giacomo Caviglia ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTA very recent result obtained by means of an in vitro experiment with cancer cultured cells has configured the endoplasmic reticulum as the preferential site for the accumulation of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG). Such a result is coherent with cell biochemistry and is made more significant by the fact that reticular accumulation rate of FDG is dependent upon extracellular glucose availability. The objective of the present paper was to confirm this result in vivo, using small animal models of CT26 cancer tissues. Specifically, assuming that the endoplasmic reticulum plays a specific functional role in the framework of a three-compartment model for FDG kinetics, we are able to explain positron emission tomography dynamic data in a more reliable way than by means of a standard Sokoloff two-compartment system. This result is made more solid from a computational viewpoint by means of some identifiability considerations based on a mathematical analysis of the compartmental equations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Richa Gandhi ◽  
Charalampos Tsoumpas

In the pursuit of understanding the pathological alterations that underlie ischaemic injuries, such as vascular remodelling and reorganisation, there is a need for recognising the capabilities and limitations of in vivo imaging techniques. Thus, this review presents contemporary published research of imaging modalities that have been implemented to study postischaemic neurovascular changes in small animals. A comparison of the technical aspects of the various imaging tools is included to set the framework for identifying the most appropriate methods to observe postischaemic neurovascular remodelling. A systematic search of the PubMed® and Elsevier’s Scopus databases identified studies that were conducted between 2008 and 2018 to explore postischaemic neurovascular remodelling in small animal models. Thirty-five relevant in vivo imaging studies are included, of which most made use of magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography, whilst various optical modalities were also utilised. Notably, there is an increasing trend of using multimodal imaging to exploit the most beneficial properties of each imaging technique to elucidate different aspects of neurovascular remodelling. Nevertheless, there is still scope for further utilising noninvasive imaging tools such as contrast agents or radiotracers, which will have the ability to monitor neurovascular changes particularly during restorative therapy. This will facilitate more successful utility of the clinical imaging techniques in the interpretation of neurovascular reorganisation over time.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3626
Author(s):  
Hannah Hornby ◽  
Mar Collado-González ◽  
Xue Zhang ◽  
Nichola Abrehart ◽  
Meshari Alshammari ◽  
...  

Oral processing of food results in the formation of food boluses, which are then swallowed and reach the stomach for further digestion. The number, size and surface properties of the boluses will affect their processing and emptying from the stomach. Knowledge of these parameters, however, is incomplete due to limitations of the techniques used. In this work, non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used for the first time to measure boluses in the stomach a few minutes after swallowing. Three groups of nine healthy participants were fed three different meals: chicken and roasted vegetables (Meal 1), bread and jam (Meal 2) and cheese and yogurt (Meal 3), and then, their stomach content was imaged. The median number of boluses within the stomach was 282, 106 and 9 for Meal 1, Meal 2 and Meal 3 (p < 0.0001) with an average volume of 0.47 mL, 2.4 mL and 13.6 mL, respectively (p < 0.0001). The cohesiveness as well as the meal composition seem to play a key role in the resulting boluses. These new in vivo data from undisturbed organ imaging can improve knowledge of the digestion process, which will, in turn, inform in vitro and in silico modelling of digestion, thus improving their in vitro/in vivo relevance.


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