preclinical-imaging

About Us

The Laboratory of Imaging for small animals of IBSBC -CNR is part of Multi-Modal Molecular Imaging Italian (MMMI) node of the European Research Infrastructure EuroBioImaging (EuBI).

It is located inside Nuclear Medicine Department of San Raffaele Research Institute upon a formal agreement. The services provided are possible thanks to the collaboration also with the Department of Health Sciences and TECNOMED Foundation of the University Milano – Bicocca (UNIMIB).

The research activity of the Laboratory of Imaging for small animals covers Emission Tomography based molecular Imaging, from radiopharmaceutical development to preclinical as well as clinical application. The group has expertise in radiolabelling with C-11, F-18 and Ga-68 including methods and procedures required according to EU rules. In addition, the group has developed methods and strategies for positron emitters metals isotopes binding, as Cu-64 and Zr-89. A larger number of radiopharmaceuticals has been already validated and applied at preclinical and clinical levels for the study of brain neurotransmission systems (serotonin, dopamine, benzodiazepine receptors, opiate receptors), amyloid plaques, activated microglia cells and for the in vivo imaging of biochemical pathways involved in cancer (choline kinase activity, cell proliferation, regional tissue hypoxia, glucose metabolism). The main fields of application are CNS diseases, inflammation and cancer and most of research activities are carried out in close collaboration between preclinical and clinical researchers.

Applications

Cells

We can apply screening protocols of radiolabeled compounds in cells for applications as imaging probe or therapeutic agent. Molecules of different sources as chemicals, peptide or nanoparticles/liposomes can be tested.

Animal

We have experience in preparing and monitoring of different rodent models of disease (onco, neuro, cardio, inflammation) for in vivo imaging applications (CT/PET/SPECT/OI) and ex vivo distribution and dosimetry. We are equipped for animals housing in longitudinal studies.

Microbiome

In vivo imaging could be applied to check microbiome composition in animal models under different conditions as gender, ageing or different treatments.

Clinical/PRECLINICAL

Clinical

We can set up proof of concept studies in animals to replicate clinical trials of imaging and treatment protocols: diagnosis using multi-modal imaging, therapy and follow up.

Nutrition

Imaging techniques can be applied to study the effect of different food regimens in animals. We can also evaluate the effect of natural extracts in cells and animal models of disease (onco, neuro, cardio, inflammation).

MOLECULES

Molecules

We can radiolabel and evaluate different types of molecules (chemicals, peptides, liposome/nanoparticles) as potential probes for PET/SPECT in vivo imaging. We provide also screening of molecules (or combinations) as therapy in animal and cellular models of disease.

Facility

The Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for nuclear medicine imaging of small rodents and has access to additional imaging technologies as 7Tesla MRI, Optical Imaging and postmortem evaluations. The radiotracers production is carried out by the Radiochemistry facilities of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan or the San Gerardo Hospital in Monza (Tecnomed Foundation of the University of Milan-Bicocca).

18 MeV Cyclotron (Iba)

Fixed-energy cyclotron that accelerates negative ions up to 18 MeV

Radiosynthesis cells and modules for radiotracers production

Shielded cells and modules for the production of drugs labeled with radioisotopes such as C-11 and F-18

CT/SPECT/PET System
(Molecubes)

Compact micro-CT, micro-SPECT and micro-PET scanners for the molecular in vivo imaging of small animals (mice and rats) with multi-bed acquisition option

Cyclone Plus Storage Phosphor System (Perkin elmer)

Autoradiography system for bidimensional imaging of radiotracers in tissue slices

Gamma-counter (Perkin elmer)

Instrument for the measure of gamma radiations emitted by a radionuclide in a sample (dosimetry in tissues, fluids, cells, QC, contaminations) for counting radioactivity (gamma emission)

Ivis Lumina Serie III (Perkin elmer)

Optical imaging system for in vivo detection of Luminescence and Fluorescence in small animals (mice and rats)

Services

The Laboratory of Imaging for small animals provides services within the European Research Infrastructure EuBI, as part of Multi-Modal Molecular Imaging Italian (MMMI) node.

Animal models of disease

Probe labelling

PET/SPECT/CT imaging

FLI and BLI imaging

Ex vivo autoradiography

Ex vivo biodistribution

Data analysis