Small Animal Imaging Core

肌肉骨骼领域的研究人员越来越多地使用人类疾病的动物模型， 特别是组织损伤和修复的那些。在动物模型中，一个被认为是重要的因素， 可以施用疾病过程，并随时间评估和监测反应。许多测定 需要牺牲动物以提取组织用于分析;然而， 可以在体内评价特定动物的变化，并且随着时间的推移通常是有利的。虽然两 目前存在大型和小型动物疾病模型，且易于开发用于各种人类 疾病，使用小动物（例如，小鼠、大鼠）由于许多原因而变得越来越优选： 1)转基因和基因敲除动物的可用性; 2）容易获得大量的密切 匹配的动物;和3）动物成本，处理，住房和其他实际管理问题。更 重要的是，大鼠和小鼠的基因组序列已经被破译， 各种各样的分子工具。 宾夕法尼亚大学拥有世界上最全面的小动物成像设施之一。 世界上有一些顶尖的科学家在各种成像模式。 这个小动物成像核心的总体目标是开发和利用广泛的 针对肌肉骨骼组织损伤和修复问题的成像模式。具体目标 目标1：就各种技术的能力、优点和缺点提供指导和专业知识， 通过正式的教育充实计划和一对一的肌肉骨骼研究的成像模式， 目的2：为小动物成像研究提供设施和专家合作 采用MRS/MRI、光学成像、生物发光、PET/SPECT、微型CT和/或超声;目的3： 在辅助设施方面提供设施和专家合作，包括化学（用于制备NMR 和光学探针）、放射化学、分子生物学、图像分析、动物模型和生物统计学;以及 目标4：为新项目和合作的发展提供资金，并制定初步的 和/或研究者的可行性数据。 成功地完成这些目标将大大改善环境和能力， 宾夕法尼亚大学的研究人员，导致新颖和创新的方法来解决 肌肉骨骼疾病和核心教师之间的新合作，他们以前可能没有 包括小动物成像在他们的肌肉骨骼研究计划。

Researchers in the musculoskeletal field are increasingly using animal models of human disease, particularly those of tissue injury and repair. In an animal model, a factor believed to be important in the disease process can be administered and the response evaluated and monitored over time. Many assays require sacrifice of the animal in order to extract tissue for analysis; however, longitudinal studies in which changes in a particular animal can be evaluated in vivo and over time are often advantageous. Although both large and small animal disease models currently exist and are readily being developed for various human diseases, the use of small animals (e.g., mouse, rat) has become increasingly preferred for many reasons: 1) the availability of transgenic and knockout animals; 2) the ease of procuring large numbers of closely matched animals; and 3) animal cost, handling, housing, and other practical management issues. More importantly, the genome sequences of both the rat and the mouse have been deciphered, giving rise to a wide variety of molecular tools. The University of Pennsylvania has one of the most comprehensive small animal imaging facilities in the world that is staffed by some of the leading scientists in the various imaging modalities. The overall objective of this Small Animal Imaging Core is to develop and utilize a wide range of imaging modalities directed toward problems of musculoskeletal tissue injury and repair. The Specific Aims are: Aim 1: To provide guidance and expertise on the capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages of various imaging modalities for musculoskeletal research through formal educational enrichment programs and oneon- one interactions; Aim 2: To provide facilities and expert collaboration in Small Animal Imaging studies employing MRS/MRI, optical imaging, bioluminescence, PET/SPECT, micro-CT and/or ultrasound; Aim 3: To provide facilities and expert collaboration in Ancillary Facilities including chemistry (for preparation of NMR and optical probes), radiochemistry, molecular biology, image analysis, animal models, and biostatistics; and Aim 4: To provide funding for development of new projects and collaborations, and to develop preliminary and/or feasibility data for investigators. Successful completion of these aims will significantly enhance the environment and the capabilities of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, leading to novel and innovative approaches to address musculoskeletal disorders and new collaborations between Core faculty who may have not previously included small animal imaging in their musculoskeletal research programs.