RESEARCH SPECT/CT Imaging Core Facility J. Arturo Garcia-Horsman, Ph.D., SPECT ManagerJ. Arturo Garcia-Horsman, Ph.D., SPECT Manager
Dr. Garcia-Horsman received his PhD in Biochemistry in 1990 (National University of Mexico) and obtained international research experience as research scientist with a number of institutions, including University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA (1990-1994); National University of Mexico (1994-1995); and University of Helsinki (1995-2000). He also served as Senior Researcher at the University of Eastern Finland (2000-2004) and as Group Leader at the Príncipe Felipe Research Center in Valencia, Span (2004-2007). Since 2007, Dr. Garcia-Horsman has served as Group Leader in the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, where he also serves as Manager of the CDR SPECT/CT Imaging Core.
NanoSPECT/CT In Vivo Imaging Core
The CDR hosts a nanoSPECT/CT animal scanner, a new generation high-performance SPECT/CT dual imaging instrument. This platform enables real-time morphological imaging and tracking of radiolabeled substances in rodents at ultra-high resolution (< 0.5 mm), quantitatively, and in 3D. It is suitable for a variety of research applications in oncology, neurology, cardiovascular pharmacology, target discovery, and gene expression studies; and, also for pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and morphological measurements. The state-of-the-art nanoSPECT/CT instrument, manufactured by Bioscan Inc., USA, is the recipient of a Frost & Sullivan Award for Excellence in Technology for Preclinical Imaging. We welcome industrial and academic collaborations in method development, and we also provide fee-based contract imaging services. We offer the following:
- Consultation, development, and execution of tailored experimental protocols or specific portions of experimental protocols.
- Radiochemical and radiopharmacy services for the synthesis of SPECT tracers
- On-site facilities for housing and maintenance of the users’ animals. All aspects of care & handling can be arranged.
- Expertise of hospital physicist and access to MRI can be arranged for studies as needed.
- We take responsibility for use of radioactive materials, and we ensure appropriate logistics for radioactive material and radioactive waste.
See a presentation of our capabilities below. For more information about our contract imaging services, please contact our core manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Current users who need information about facility scheduling or availability can click This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography)
- Detection of radiolabeled gamma-ray emitting molecules
- Four large field-of-view broadband NaI(Tl) detectors
- Multi-multi-pinhole technology
- High detection sensitivity and spatial resolution (≤0.5mm, depending on collimators)
CT (computed tomography)
- Provides anatomical information
- Low X-ray dose levels (1cGy)
- Auto-fusion of SPECT and CT images
NanoSPECT/CT
- Focused or whole body imaging of mice, rats, or rabbits
- Same animals can be followed over time with repeated measurements allowing long-term biodistribution studies and reduction in the number of laboratory animals required
- Energy range: 25-365 keV
- Radionuclides most commonly used: Tc-99m, In-111, I-123, I-125
- Possibility to simultaneously image two radionuclides with different energies
- Pathogen-free imaging chambers with gas anesthesia and temperature control unit (optional: cardiac and respiratory monitoring)
