In vivo molecular imaging is a powerful technique used to visualize and monitor biological processes within living organisms. It enables researchers to study disease progression, drug efficacy, and molecular pathways in real-time and non-invasively. In the context of small animal imaging, which involves imaging live animals such as mice or rats, in vivo molecular imaging encompasses both macroscopic and microscopic imaging modalities, including fluorescence and bioluminescent imaging. These techniques offer insights into the dynamic behavior of biological systems in physiological and pathological conditions. In vivo molecular imaging has become an powerful tool in preclinical research for understanding disease mechanisms, evaluating therapeutic interventions, and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
In vivo imaging systems typically consist of the following components:
Imaging Modalities
In vivo molecular imaging encompasses a range of imaging modalities, including positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), optical imaging, and ultrasound imaging.
Contrast Agents
Contrast agents are used to enhance the visibility of specific molecular targets or physiological processes during imaging. These agents can be labeled with radioactive isotopes, fluorescent dyes, bioluminescent proteins, or paramagnetic ions, depending on the imaging modality used.
Our Western blot ECL imaging system is commonly used for:
1. Macroscopic Imaging:
PET/SPECT Imaging: PET and SPECT imaging techniques utilize radiolabeled tracers to visualize molecular targets or metabolic processes within live animals. They are commonly used for studying cancer biology, neurobiology, and cardiovascular diseases in small animal models.
MRI/CT Imaging: MRI and CT imaging provide high-resolution anatomical images of live animals, enabling researchers to visualize tissue morphology and organ structure. These
techniques are valuable for studying developmental biology, organ function, and disease pathology in small animal models.
2. Microscopic Imaging:
Optical Imaging: Optical imaging techniques, such as fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging, allow researchers to visualize molecular events and cellular processes within live animals at the microscopic level. These techniques are widely used for studying gene expression, protein-protein interactions, and cell trafficking in small animal models.
3. Fluorescence Imaging: Fluorescence imaging utilizes fluorescent probes or dyes to label specific molecular targets or cellular structures within live animals. It is commonly used for studying gene expression, cell signaling, and tumor biology in small animal models. Fluorescence imaging offers high sensitivity and spatial resolution, enabling real-time visualization of dynamic biological processes in vivo.
4. Bioluminescent Imaging: Bioluminescent imaging relies on the expression of bioluminescent proteins, such as firefly luciferase or Renilla luciferase, to track gene expression or monitor cell viability in live animals. Bioluminescent imaging is widely used for studying gene regulation, cell fate, and tumor growth in small animal models. It offers high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for longitudinal monitoring of biological processes over time.
Our in vivo imaging system is commonly used for:
Cancer Research: In vivo molecular imaging is extensively used in cancer research to study tumor development, progression, and response to therapy in small animal models.
Neuroscience: It is employed in neuroscience research to investigate brain function, neuronal connectivity, and neurodegenerative diseases in live animals.
Cardiovascular Biology: In vivo molecular imaging is applied in cardiovascular research to study cardiac function, vascular biology, and atherosclerosis in small animal models.
Drug Development: It plays a crucial role in drug discovery and development by providing insights into drug pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and efficacy in preclinical models.
Explore how our in vivo molecular imaging can be used to study disease mechanisms, evaluate therapeutic interventions, and advancee our understanding of complex biological systems in vivo.
