Noninvasive Diagnostic and Molecular Medical Imaging
Appropriate physical scaling and advances in image resolution are providing imaging technologies for studying mechanisms in small animal models of human disease. NIH resources include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM), X-ray computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US- high frequency (40MHz) and clinical US), and opticalbioluminescent imaging (Xenogen, Inc. IVIS camera system). Other groups are developing small animal systems for positron emission tomography, electron paramagnetic resonance imaging, as well as other imaging technologies. Significant advantages can be realized from an ability to study structure and function longitudinally in modeled disease processes. Imaging permits evaluation of lesion changes in the same animal over time with an aim at identifying endpoints and surrogate markers of disease that have clinical relevance for patients. Scientific benefits include a potential to use fewer animals in studies aimed at reducing the burden of human cancer.
