Imaging Modalities
In response to the recent growing public concern for animal welfare, there has been an increasing need for imaging devices that allow in vivo, noninvasive, and temporal observations. In addition, many of our imaging devices are also used in clinical settings, so the data using these devices are expected to play an important role as novel biomarkers in clinical trials. Indeed, attempts are already being made to apply this technology to drug discovery from the approaches of both safety and efficacy.
In addition to the animal models introduced above, we can also offer flexible support for your projects, from the development of new disease models to pharmacological efficacy evaluations. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Muscle Mass Measurement by MRI/DXA
By measuring muscle cross-sectional area (MRI) and lean mass (DXA), the effect of test article is evaluated in vivo, noninvasively and temporally. Three sites are measured for muscle cross-sectional area: the upper arm, lumber part, and femur (3 slices/ site); and it is possible to separately measure lean mass of the trunk and the limbs. In addition to muscle cross-sectional area, we are also investigating evaluation methods for muscle volume.
3T MRI
- General MRI imaging of various organs (the brain, liver, and joints) under various enhancement conditions (T1 weighted image, T2 weighted image, Proton Density weighted image, T2*, etc.)
- Organs and tumor volume measurements
- Cerebral blood flow, pH measurements, etc.
- functional MRI measurement of neurological function
- Evaluation of abnormal sites in the brain ( infarct or tumor)
- Tumor evaluation using contrast-enhancement MR angiography (delayed enhancement)
- MR Angiography (vascular visualization by non-contrast method MRI or contrast MRI)
- Quantitative and temporal evaluation of articular cartilage using a T2 map (currently under investigation)
- Heart and cardiac function evaluations (currently under investigation)
4-Slice Helical CT
- General CT imaging of various organs
- Measurement of body fat and visceral fat
- Temporal evaluation of lung impairment
- Temporal evaluation of skeletal morphology (3D image rendering is also available)
- Quantitative evaluation of articular cartilage (currently under investigation)
Angiography System
- Stent placement confirmation for placement locations
- Surgery support for brain infarction and myocardial infarction
- Vessel diameter measurements (angiography)
X-Ray Equipment
- Bone density measurements of isolated bones in osteoporosis model of monkeys and rats
- Body fat, visceral fat, and muscle mass measurements
pQCT
- Measurements of bone density (trabecular bone and cortical bone separately) and structural parameters in osteoporosis monkeys
X-Ray Fluoroscopy
- General X -ray imaging
- Bone length measurement
- Gastrointestinal motility measurement (measurements of stomach excretion and intestinal transit)
Optical Coherence Tomography
- Temporal observations of tomographic images in the posterior eye tissues in general toxicity studies
- Temporal observations of tomographic images in the posterior eye tissues for ophthalmology -related diseases such as the age-related macular degeneration model (measurement of injury sites at laser-irradiated spots) or the glaucoma model (measurement of the retinal nerve fiber layer)
Animal X-Ray CT
- Temporal measurements of bone density in rat and mouse osteoporosis models
- Body fat and visceral fat measurements in rats and mice
In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS)
- Temporal observations of proliferation of tumors, metastasis, and withdrawal in tumor-bearing models
- Temporal observations of the biodistribution of cells and proteins (such as antibodies)
- In vivo imaging is available for whole body for mice and rats, and for head and extremities for monkeys
