Barrow-ASU Center for Preclinical Imaging

Focus and Mission

The mission of the Barrow-ASU Center for Preclinical Imaging is to provide state-of-the-art imaging technology and expertise for researchers in the Phoenix area. Our center provides a wide array of imaging modalities including MRI, bioluminescence and florescence, microPET, and microCT.

The Center is a joint effort between Barrow Neurological Institute and Arizona State University. Together, our goal is to provide essential core technologies to Valley researchers and, as a result, advance biosciences across the entire State of Arizona.

Over the past several decades, advances in imaging science have unlocked new discoveries in biology and medicine. Our facility makes this advanced technology available to researchers across Central Arizona. Using these resources, investigators can examine the in vivo anatomy and function of their preclinical models.

In addition to advanced technology, the Center for Preclinical Imaging also offers professional expertise to help researchers develop and implement their imaging protocols.

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The Barrow-ASU Center for Preclinical Imaging

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Featured Research

Novel experimental model of brain arteriovenous malformations using conditional Alk1 gene deletion in transgenic mice

By Chul Han, Michael J Lang, Candice L Nguyen, Ernesto Luna Melendez, Shwetal Mehta, Gregory H Turner, Michael T Lawton, S Paul Oh

Published in Journal of Neurosurgery

ABSTRACT
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is the only condition associated with multiple inherited brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Therefore, a model was developed with a genetics-based approach that conditionally deleted the causative activin receptor-like kinase 1 (Acvrl1 or Alk1) gene. Radiographic and histopathological findings were correlated, and AVM stability and hemorrhagic behavior over time were examined.

Preclinical Imaging Research

Meeting a Variety of Scanning Needs

The 7T MRI at the Center for Preclinical Imaging is equipped with a suite of imaging techniques that meet a variety of scanning needs. Some examples are as follows:

High-resolution Anatomy

The 7T has a variety of scans available for visualization of measurement of anatomy. High signal to noise and optimized protocols provide robust measurement in a variety of preclinical models.

Functional MRI

Over the last decade functional MRI (fMRI) has become the most popular method for mapping brain function. Preclinical MRI provides a platform for a investigating range of topics from how pharmacologic compounds affect brain function to the better understanding of the mechanisms behind fMRI itself.

Perfusion

Measurement of perfusion and contrast agent effects are a valuable tool for examining neuropathologies such as brain tumors and stroke. Contrast agent bolus tracking, relaxivity measurements, and perfusion measurements are some of the methods available to researchers using the Center.

Diffusion

The 7T has routines available for acquiring images weighted for local water diffusion. Such imaging is used for characterization of disease state, such as the hypoxic edema associated with vascular stroke. Diffusion tensor imaging uses restricted diffusion data to generate images of fiber tracks in the brain or spine.

Angiography

Visualization of the vasculature is important for the study of vascular disease, stenosis, and blood flow occlusion. High-resolution, in vivo vessel imaging is possible with the use of specialized imaging techniques and/or contrast agents.

Cardiac Function

Cardiac disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. The 7T MRI at the Center for Preclinical Imaging offers state-of-the-art methods for acquiring images of the cardiac cycle to allow in vivo analysis of preclinical cardiac disease models.

Preclinical Imaging Resources

The 7 Tesla (7T) MRI at the Center for Preclinical Imaging is equipped with a host of imaging capabilities to meet a variety of scanning needs:

• High-resolution anatomy. The 7T MRI has numerous scans available for visualization and measurement of anatomy. High signal-to-noise and optimized protocols allow precise measurement of anatomical structures with a spatial resolution of less than 100 microns.
• Functional MRI. Over the past decade, functional MRI (fMRI) has become the most popular method for mapping brain function. Our preclinical MRI is a platform for a range of investigations—from how pharmacologic compounds affect brain function to the quest to better understand the mechanisms underlying fMRI itself.
• Perfusion. The measurement of the effects of perfusion and contrast agents is a valuable tool for examining neuropathologies such as brain tumors and stroke. Contrast agent bolus tracking, relaxivity measurements, and perfusion measurements are some of the methods available to researchers using the Center.
• Diffusion. The 7T MRI has programmed routines for acquiring images weighted for local water diffusion. This feature can be used to characterize disease states such as hypoxic edema associated with vascular stroke. Diffusion tensor imaging uses restricted diffusion data to generate images of fiber tracts in the brain.
• Angiography. The visualization of vascular anatomy is important for the study of vascular disease, stenosis, and blood-flow occlusion. High-resolution in vivo imaging of vessels is possible with the use of specialized imaging techniques, contrast agents, or both.
• Cardiac Function. Cardiac disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. The 7T MRI at the Barrow-ASU Center for Preclinical Imaging offers cutting-edge methods for gathering images of the cardiac cycle for in vivo analysis of preclinical cardiac disease models.

Xenogen IVIS Spectrum®

The Spectrum system allows noninvasive longitudinal measurement of disease states, cell trafficking, and gene expression patterns. Both fluorescent and bioluminescent reporters can be imaged with this system as well as with 2- and 3-dimensional tomography.

Procedure Rooms

Two procedure rooms equipped with medical gasses, fume hoods, and basic laboratory equipment (e.g., scales, pipettes) are available for study preparation. Holding rooms are also available for a per diem fee (Contact Us).

Computing

A data analysis workstation is available for end users to work with their data offline. A file-transfer protocol (FTP) server also is available to facilitate remote access to study data and data transfer to an off-site location.