Preclinical MRI. Solutions for Small Animal Imaging. Molecular Imaging

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1 Preclinical MRI Solutions for Small Animal Imaging Molecular Imaging

2 The Power of Imaging Applications Resolution Typical resolution in MRI is less than 200μm, to more than 20μm with 2D slices or full 3D coverage. By using Bruker s latest RF-coil technology in vivo mouse brain imaging can be performed with unsurpassed resolution. Courtesy: V. Rasche, University of Ulm, Germany Acquisition Speed Dynamic processes can be observed with MRI by acquiring more than 20 images per second. Cardiac cine imaging can be performed with different contrast: (from left to right): black blood contrast, tagging and white blood contrast. functional MR Imaging MRI can visualize the neural activities in the brain or in the spinal cord. By using different stimulation techniques, like visual stimulation, olfactory stimulation the neural functionality of different areas can be examined in the brain. Our example shows fmri of the rat brain by using forepaw stimulation. Courtesy: M. Hoehn, MPI Neurol. Res., Cologne, Germany

3 Dynamics of Body Fluids Macroscopic blood circulation and microscopic tissue perfusion can be visualized with MRI by using different angiography techniques and blood tagging techniques with and without contrast agent. Even the visualization of the water diffusion along nerve fibres is possible by using the diffusion technique called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Top: perfusion imaging of the rat brain by following a bolus. Below left: fibre tracking of mouse brain measure with diffusion tensor imaging. Below right: angiography of a mouse brain without contrast agent. Courtesy: H. Waiczies, Berlin Ultra High-Field Facility, MDC, Berlin, Germany. Contrast variations MRI also has excellent contrast resolution to distinguish between normal and pathological tissue. By simply changing imaging parameters different contrast possibilties are generated without using contrast agent. Different contrast possibilities of mouse kidneys are shown (from left to right: T 1-, T 2, and T 2 *-weighted imaging).

4 Molecular Imaging Molecular MR imaging enables the visualisation of the cellular function and the follow-up of the molecular processes in living organisms without perturbing them. Below: mesenchymal stem cells, were labeled and used as markers for stroke regions. Courtesy: J. W. Bulte et al., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland, USA Biochemistry Mapping of different metabolite concentrations can be performed by using volume selective spectroscopy or the 2-3 dimensional chemical shift imaging (CSI). The figure displays a map of N-Acetylaspartic acid (NAA) of the mouse brain. Combination with other modalities MR imaging can be used as morphological reference for other modalities as these modalities are displaying only fuctional or activation areas with missing anatomical information. Below: changes in Cerebral Metabolic Rate of Glucose (CMRGlc) of the rat brain acquired with PET overlayed on an anatomical MRI reference. Courtesy: H. F. Wehrl, B. J. Pichler et al. Department for Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University of Tuebingen, Germany

5 Cutting-Edge Imaging Technology Made Easy Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is probably the most powerful imaging modality in existence. Familiar to everyone this safe, trusted technology is used in hospitals worldwide, and is recognized for its ability to see inside the body and provide detailed information on conditions that affect organs, tissue and bone. For almost 30 years the power of MRI has been brought to the animal laboratory by Bruker, the market and performance leader in analytical and preclinical magnetic resonance technologies. Today, everyone working with small animals can access MRI s unparalleled anatomical, functional and molecular information. Safe, powerful investigation in your own hands From mice and rats to larger animals, you can safely investigate your subjects using MRI s unique characteristics of non-destructive and radiation-free scanning together with its enormous flexibility in contrast behavior. Free from the limitations of radiation exposure levels, you can repeatedly scan the same animal, delivering more results with fewer animals. Animal MRI is easier than you expect In the past such a powerful technology was expensive, required years of expertise, intensive training or specialist operators, whilst nowadays an MRI system from Bruker does all the complex work for you. You focus on your biological, pharmaceutical, and preclinical investigations - we ll take care of the rest. With the latest desktop MR Imaging solutions, such as the Icon, animal MRI is not only easier but also more affordable than you expect.

6 A wide range of solutions to suit everyone s needs At the core of every MRI scanner is the magnet. A higher magnetic field strength generally means higher spatial resolution delivering more detailed images that provide increased anatomical and functional information. Bruker develops and manufactures magnets for its MRI product lines, including the world s highest field preclinical MRI magnets. This means we can offer you the optimum solution that meets your specific needs. Icon: high performance from an affordable 1 Tesla compact benchtop scanner PharmaScan : easy-to-use and install, very cost-effective high-field MRI system BioSpec : all purpose research series, at all magnetic fields, for all animal sizes, covering all the latest applications ClinScan : 7 Tesla MRI scanner with clinical routine interface (Siemens syngo ) Trusted technology from a trusted brand. Let Bruker takes those early steps with you into a new field... We will be happy to share our unique expertise in animal MRI with you. We will welcome you to our special animal facility and demonstrate the power of MRI. We will help you get the most from your new system, your workflows and your laboratory. We will show you the optimal methods for animal handling. We will provide application support, refresher courses or further annual training. We will introduce you to the large, friendly and helpful user community. Take that first step. With us. Bruker BioSpin 08/11 T1208XX Bruker BioSpin info@bruker-biospin.com