CMSR major research instruments
| Type | Instrument |
|---|---|
| Noninvasive in vivo small animal imaging | PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum |
| FUJIFILM VisualSonics Vevo 3100 | |
| MILabs VECTor - PET/SPECT/CT | |
| Bruker BioSpec 94/20 USR - 9.4T small animal MRI | |
| Molecular and biochemical analysis | Heska Element HT5 |
| Heska DRI-CHEM 7000 | |
| Research histopathology | Leica BOND-RXm |
| Tissue processors, paraffin embedding stations | |
| Microtomes, slide stainer and scanner | |
| Irradiators | Xstrahl RS225 small animal irradiator |
| SARRP 200 image guided micro irradiation | |
| Functional genomics | Microinjection system |
| Embryo cell fusion, stereoscope and incubator |
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The Bruker BioSpec 94/20 USR is a 9.4 Tesla, 20 cm bore, magnetic resonance scanner for MRI and MRS for preclinical research. This MRI platform enables noninvasive acquisition of small animal imaging data with high resolution (i.e., it can acquire images at an in-plane resolution of less than 0.1 mm). The instrument is equipped with a collection of coils that enable a wide range of imaging, such as the mouse brain, heart, and abdomen.
Nuclear imaging (PET/SPECT/CT). The MILABS VECTor provides diagnostic accuracy with specific tumor types (e.g., intracranial, lung, liver, colorectal, bone tumors, or prostate cancer), with a combination of high-resolution imaging of anatomical systems (CT) and imaging of functional activities in target tissues (PET/SPECT)). It is a multimodal tomographic nuclear imaging system that combines a low dose, ultra high-resolution (voxel size down to 4 µm) CT system with a PET-SPECT system. This PET/SPECT/CT instrument provides high resolution; for example, it can acquire SPECT images at a resolution of 0.15 mm and PET images at a resolution down to 0.6 mm, with murine models.
Bioluminescence and fluorescence optical imaging. The PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum uses reporter genes, usually with a fluorescent-labeled protein or luciferase. Bioluminescent and fluorescent intensity correlate linearly with tumor volume and tumor weight. This instrument can be used to study transgene expression, infectious diseases, and cancer models, including tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment.
High-frequency ultrasound imaging. The FUJIFILM VisualSonics Vevo 3100 provides 30 µm resolution and 20 mm field of view imaging. This ultrasound instrument allows for 3D reconstructions for precise tumor/organ volume determination and real-time imaging to facilitate surgical manipulations, like ultrasound-guided injections of tumor cells in different organs. The instrument is used in a wide range of applications, including high-resolution anatomical analysis of organs and tumors, as well as functional determinations, such as blood flow, cardiac motion, and biomarker assessment and targeted release.
Research histopathology instruments. The CMSR has a wide array of histopathology instruments. For example, the CMSR has a Leica Bond-RXm that is a fully automated IHC and in situ hybridization (ISH) stainer designed especially for scientific applications. The Leica Bond-RXm is an open system and provides protocol and reagent selection flexibility. The instrument has a capacity of 30 slides at a time with trays of ten slides each that can be reloaded continuously. Additional histopathology instruments include a tissue dissociator (Miltenyi Biotec gentleMACS), two tissue processors (Leica ASP300S), two paraffin embedding stations (Leica Histocore Arcadia H/C), two microtomes (Leica Histocore autocut), a cryostat (Leica CM1950), a slide stainer with automatic coverslipper (Leica ST5020), a tissue microarray instrument (Galileo CK4600), a whole slide scanner (Olympus VS200), slide and cassette printers (Leica IPS and IPC), and a fully automated transmitted light and fluorescence microscope (Leica DM6). Applications of the CMSR histopathology instruments include tissue- to-digital H&E, IHC, and immunofluorescence (IF); tissue microarrays; sample preparation for spatial multiomics, including imaging mass cytometry; and specialized tissue staining for artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
Radiotherapy platforms. The CMSR offers two irradiators: 1) The Xstrahl Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP 200) is an X-ray image-guided irradiator (SARRP 200) that enables image-guided preclinical studies. This instrument includes an integrated motorized variable collimator (MVC), so researchers can perform conformal radiation therapy techniques commonly used in clinical practice, enabling both small-field and large-field irradiation. The 360° gantry and motorized stage allow for non-coplanar beam delivery from any angle, resulting in a 3D conformal dose to the target area while minimizing normal tissue and surrounding tissue toxicity. The system includes integrated treatment planning software (Muriplan), allowing researchers to create and deliver simple or complex beam arrangements in a clinically relevant manner. 2) The Xstrahl RS225 research irradiator cabinet allows for in vitro and in vivo total body irradiation studies by providing a range of free standing, self-contained irradiation chambers and system electronics in one enclosure.
Molecular and biochemical analysis platforms include a veterinary hematology analyzer (Heska Element HT5) and a veterinary chemistry analyzer (Heska DRI-CHEM 7000) for toxicity and basic biochemical analysis of standardized biomarkers from blood.
Equipment for tissue/cell culture and small animal surgical procedures includes an inverted microscope, dissecting stereoscopic microscopes, tissue culture hoods and incubators, and palliative care instrumentation.