In Vivo MicroCT Scanner

描述（由申请人提供）：我们申请资金购买Scanco viva MicroCT模型40，这是一种可以扫描活体小动物以成像器官，评估心脏功能，量化小梁和皮质骨并获得骨结构信息的装置。它还可以快速准确地测量骨体积、连通性和结构的组织形态学指标。该仪器将由7个主要用户使用[博士]。R. Pacifici (P.I.)， G. Beck， L.W.K. Chung， M.S. Nanes， H. Shim M.N. Weitzmann博士，W. Lewis，他们是7个ro -1和1个P0-1, 1个P20, 1个P50和1个VA奖学金的PI，并在埃默里大学开展有关骨骼，艾滋病毒-艾滋病，纳米颗粒和癌症的研究项目。此外，还会有两位小用户，博士。D. Durden和M. Goodman，他们是1 ro1, 1 P50和R56基金的P1，并对肿瘤学感兴趣。罗伯特·古尔伯格博士是P.I.的合作者，也是MicroCT的专家，他将负责仪器的维护和操作。Pacifici博士将利用microCT研究T细胞在PTH和雌激素作用机制中的作用。Chung博士将利用microCT研究骨转移，Nanes博士将利用microCT确定TNF阻断骨形成的机制。Shim博士将利用微型ct可视化肿瘤生长，Beck博士和Weitzmann博士将协助他们研究纳米颗粒在骨骼中的作用。刘易斯博士将使用微ct来评估接受HIV药物治疗的小鼠的心脏功能。杜登博士将研究PI-3激酶抑制剂对脑肿瘤的影响。古德曼医生会用微型ct扫描脑瘤。体内微ct将促进这些项目，因为它将补充和/或替代体外微ct和骨组织形态测量，以及用于心功能分析的二维回声。微型ct有几个优点。1)利用骨结构的体内数据来扩大计划中的研究是可能的，目前还没有这种能力。2)与其他方法相比，microCT的灵敏度和精度更高，将导致组分离增加，从而提高了以结论性方式解释数据的能力。3)在某些情况下，减少研究的持续时间或样本量可能会节省大量的资金。我们将能够以更快的速度进行研究。5)体内微ct能力的提高将为合作、培训新的研究人员和开辟新的研究领域提供更多的机会。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We request funds to purchase a Scanco viva MicroCT model 40, a devise which makes it possible to scan live small animals with the purpose of imaging organs, evaluate heart function, quantify trabecular and cortical bone and obtain information about bone structure. It also allows rapid and accurate measurements of histomorphometric indices of bone volume, connectivity and structure. This instrument will be utilized by 7 major users [Drs. R. Pacifici (P.I.), G. Beck, L.W.K. Chung, M.S. Nanes, Dr. H. Shim M.N. Weitzmann, W. Lewis, who are PI for 7 RO-1s and 1 P0-1, 1 P20, 1 P50 and 1 VA merit grant, and run research programs, on bone, HIV- AIDS, nanoparticles, and cancer at Emory University. In addition, there will be 2 minor users, Drs. D. Durden, and M. Goodman who are P1 of 1 ro1, 1 P50 and a R56 grants, and have interests in oncology. Dr. Robert Guldberg, a collaborator of the P.I. and an expert on MicroCT will be in charge of the maintenance and operations of the instrument. Dr. Pacifici will utilize microCT in studies on the role of T cells in the mechanism of action of PTH and estrogen. Dr. Chung will utilize the microCT to study bone metastasis, Dr. Nanes will use microCT to determine the mechanism by which TNF blocks bone formation. Dr. Shim will utilize the microCT to visualize tumor growth, Dr. Beck and Weitzmann will be aided in their studies on the effects of nanoparticles in bone. Dr. Lewis will use microCT to assess heart function in mice treated with HIV drugs. Dr. Durden will study the effects of PI-3 kinase inhibitors on brain tumors. Dr. Goodman will utilize the microCT to visualize brain tumors. In vivo MicroCT will facilitate each of these projects as it will complement and/or substitute in vitro microCT and bone histomorphometry, and 2D echo for heart function analysis. The advantages of having a microCT are several. 1) It would make possible to expand the planned studies with in vivo data about bone structure, a capability which is currently not on hand. 2) The greater sensitivity and precision of microCT over other methods would results in increased group separation and thus increased ability to interpret the data in a conclusive manner. 3) In some cases it may be possible to decrease the duration of the studies or the sample size with considerable financial savings. 4) We would be able to conduct our studies at a much faster pace. 5) The increased capability of in vivo microCT would provide additional opportunity for collaborations, training of new investigators and opening new fields of research. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Access to an in vivo microCT would allow researchers into causes and cures for osteoporosis and other bone disorders, to expand their studies with data about bone structure from live animals, gain access to greater sensitivity and precision which would results in increased group separation and conclusive interpretation, decrease the duration of studies or the sample size with considerable financial savings, improve the ability to conduct studies at a much faster pace, add additional opportunity for collaborations and training of new investigators which may open new fields of research.