IVIS Spectrum Imaging
In vivo imaging system
IVIS SPECTRUM
The IVIS (In Vivo Imaging System) spectrum is a whole body bioluminescence and biofluorescence imaging platform, designed for non-invasive observation of organs and cells in living animals. It is ideal for longitudinal monitoring of disease progression, cell trafficking and gene expression patterns.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
- 28 filters spanning 430 – 850 nm for high-sensitivity in vivo imaging (fluorescence and bioluminescence)
- High sensitive EMCCD camera
- There are two imaging modes: trans-illumination and epi-illumination. Trans-illumination allows 3D reconstruction of labelled structures
- Flexible imaging field from 3.9 cm (high resolution) to 23 cm (low resolution)
- Compatibility with Micro CT.
In action
Bioluminescence imaging can be used for detection of luciferase gene reporter mice as well as tracking luciferase expressing cells that have been adoptively transferred into mice (commonly used for cancer models). Biofluorescence imaging can be used alongside commercially available fluorescent probes (Perkin Elmer) against biological targets, pathways and processes to assess disease activity in vivo. Commercially available probes either bind to targets or are cleaved by targets (eliciting a biofluorescent signal). Probes are available against a range of targets/processes including cathepsins, neutrophil elastase, bone growth, vascular leakage, matrix metalloproteases, apoptosis, αVβ3 and more (see https://www.perkinelmer.com/uk/category/in-vivo-imaging-reagents).
IVIS biofluorescence imaging detecting neutrophil elastase in the knee in a zymosan-induced arthritis model (A) and pan-cathepsin in the knee in the antigen induced arthritis model (B).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We request that publications that include data or analysis performed with the facility include the following acknowledgement- “ We acknowledge the generous support of the Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research for the microscopy facilities used in this research”.