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BNI-ASU Center for Preclinical Imaging
The mission of the BNI-ASU Center for Preclinical Imaging is to provide state of the art imaging technology and expertise for researchers in the Phoenix area. Key to that goal is our 7-Tesla Bruker Biospec MRI scanner.
The Center is a joint effort between Barrow Neurological Institute and Arizona State University with the goal of providing a key piece of core technology and advancing science across the Valley.
Over the last decade, high-field MRI systems have opened the door to new discoveries in biology and medicine. Our facility brings this state of the art technology to researchers across the region. Investigators can use this resource to examine, in vivo, both anatomy and function in their preclinical models.
In addition to advanced technology, the Center for Preclinical Imaging also provides imaging expertise to help researchers develop and implement their imaging protocols.
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.
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 investigating a 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 MRI 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.
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.
IVIS Optical Imaging
In addition to high-field MRI, the Center for Preclinical Imaging has a Xenogen IVIS Spectrum Imager available to researchers. The Spectrum system allows non-invasive longitudinal measurement of disease states, cell trafficking and gene expression patterns. Imaging of both fluorescent and bioluminescent reporters is possible with this system as well as 2D and 3D tomography.
Documents
u BNI-ASU Center for Preclinical Imaging Policies and Procedures | Download PDF
u Application for Use of CPI Resources | Download PDF
To inquire about using the 7T MRI or IVIS Spectrum Imager please contact:
Gregory Turner, Ph.D.
Program Manager, Preclinical Imaging
Barrow Neurological Institute/St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Phone: 602-406-2649
Fax: 602-406-3911
Email: Gregory.Turner@chw.edu
In collaboration with Arizona State University
(The website link above is provided for your convenience only. Barrow Neurological Institute does not necessarily endorse nor is responsible for the content in any way.)
