Services

PTIR provides training in the use of the Advanced Molecular Imaging (AMI) system, which allows detection of luminescence and fluorescence in live animals. The PTIR also provides an introduction to the software used to analyze data generated by AMI. The system has filters for luminescent imaging, as well as fluorescent imaging, at 510nm, 630nm, 650nm, 670nm, 690nm, 710nm, 730nm, 750nm, 770nm, 790nm wavelengths.

Special considerations
Users must arrange for mice to be imaged to reside in the B.9856 animal suite in the KMRB vivarium. This is a one-way, SPF suite that allows the use of low-grade mouse pathogens and vectors that are not readily spread from animal to animal.

Mice must be anesthetized prior to imaging, and if appropriate, given an injection of the bioluminescent substrate (usually Luciferin). The PTIR does not provide reagents for anesthesia or generation of bioluminescence. Mice are placed in a light-tight chamber and imaged using a sensitive CCD camera. Proprietary software allows the emitted light to be superimposed on a digital image of the mice, regions of interest to be defined, and photon flux to be measured.