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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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For technical enquiries 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)

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.

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