Imaging
html) is capable of detecting fluorescent proteins and tags in whole organs and individual cells in vivo. The high-resolution camera and choice of five magnifications supply maximum flexibility. Fully automated optics permit reproducible and rapid imaging with software presets and macros. Directed dual excitation light paths and specially designed filters allow imaging wavelengths from longwave UV (qDots) and visible to near IR for detection of fluorescent tumours and cells. In addi- tion to tracking the progression of individual can- cer cells, the growth of primary and metastatic tumours can also be measured. Quantitation of the dimension in vivo measures the relative co-ordi- nate and length, area and volume of the signal. To accurately acquire these numbers, it is necessary to have contrast between the intensity of the signal and the background level. Researchers define an intensity threshold distinguishing the signal and background based on their spectral characteristic and expected distribution. UVP’s VisionWorks®LS Software estimates the tumour region and displays it in graphical and tabular format. Using fluores- cent proteins to track small animal tumour growth provides the necessary indicators to visualise, detect, and measure the progression of cancer in vivo (Figure 21).
VisualSonics (
www.visualsonics.com) is a world leader in real time, in vivo, high-resolution micro imaging systems designed specifically for preclin- ical research. VisualSonics’ product families include the VEVO® LAZR Photoacoustic Imaging platform and VEVO® 2100 and VEVO® 770 high-frequency micro-imaging sys- tems. The VEVO® technology enables in vivo, real-time, high resolution (as low as 30 microns) visualisation and assessment of small animal anatomical, functional and structural targets. The VEVO technology features extremely high frame rates, quantification and assessment software tools, advanced imaging features such as: Color Doppler, contrast imaging, strain analysis, multi- ple imaging and processing modes. These features have found strong utility in advanced preclinical research as related to cardiovascular diseases, drug induced vascular injury, tumour visualisa- tion, imaging and quantification, brain flow imaging among other applications – resulting in more than 700 peer-reviewed publications from researchers across the globe. VEVO LAZR Photoacoustic technology has further expanded in vivo imaging techniques with molecular imag- ing capability. This technology integrates sensitiv- ity of optical imaging with resolution and depth
Drug Discovery World Summer 2011
Figure 21: The UVP iBox® Explorer™ Fluorescence Imaging Microscope
penetration of high-frequency ultrasound, enabling researchers to detect and study cancer in its earliest stages of progression. Researchers are using the Vevo LAZR technology to observe tumour biology, measure hypoxia, evaluate changes in blood flow and quantify data with proprietary software solutions in vivo and in real- time. This technology provides researchers with never-before-seen insights into the development of effective therapeutics for treating cancer. In addition to cancer biology, photoacoustic imag- ing benefits other areas of research such as dia- betes and neurosciences, as well as developmental and reproductive biology (Figure 22).
Figure 22
Mouse tumour imaged using VisualSonics Vevo LAZR photoacoustic technology
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