Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Bruker BioSpec 70/20 7T fMRI
A multipurpose research system for high-resolution Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging. The system is equipped with 7 Tesla superconducting magnet designed with “Ultra Shielded Refrigerated” (USR) magnet technology. The USR technology significantly reduces the stray field to close to the magnet. The scanner has actively shielded, high-performance BGA-S series gradient system with integrated shim coil. Superior performance on the following major characteristics can thus be achieved:
Rat Head Coil
A volume transmit/receive quadrature coil is incorporated into a rat imaging holster. This can collect images from the olfactory bulbs down to the cerebellum and medulla oblongata with optimal homogeneity. Designed for both awake and anesthetized imaging, this coil system provides superior anatomical and functional images for phMRI and scanning for longer than 45 minutes.
Mouse/Vole Head Coil
A 36 mm ID quadrature transmit/receive volume coil is used for smaller rodent models. The coil is ergonomically designed so that animal set-up takes less than a minute. This coil is good for small rodents ranging 10-60 g – ideal for transgenic mice, voles and post-natal rats. With this coil we are able to achieve “high throughput” data collection.
Histology
In addition to preclinical neuroimaging, we specialize in histology to fortify our translational findings with mechanistic insights. We stain for a wide range of markers of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Recent protocols include multiplex labeling and confocal imaging of astrocytes (GFAP, pictured above), microglia (IBA1), phosphorylated TDP43 (pTDP43), phosphorylated tau (PHF-1 and MC-1), mature oligodendrocytes (CC1), oligodendrocyte precursor cells (PDGFRa), neurons (Nissl Stain), and cell nuclei (DAPI and Hoechst).
Behavioral Assays
Novel Object Recognition (NOR)
Assesses cognitive functioning in animal models, usually rodents, by analyzing the amount of time spent investigating a novel object. This behavioral assay consists of two trials; familiarization, followed by the experimental trial, where one of the two objects is replaced by a novel object. The animal may explore the space and inspect the novel object . The entirety of the test is recorded and tracked by an overhead camera to allow for data analysis.
A reliable measure of short and long-term memory, as well as object recognition memory. Unimpaired rodents are expected to frequently explore the novel object at the start of the experimental trial, although performance is dependent on the amount of time spent between the familiarization and experimental trials.
Open Field Test (OFT)
Used to assess general activity, anxiety, and exploratory behaviors in rodents. Researchers track the animal’s movements, analyzing how much time it spends in the center versus the periphery, and its overall locomotor activity. Time spent in the center often reflects reduced anxiety, while more activity generally indicates higher levels of exploration or motor function. The test is commonly used in neuroscience, particularly in studies of anxiety, drug effects, and neurological disorders.
Barnes Maze
Used to study mental and psychological states and behaviors of animals, largely learning and memory in rodents. The maze consists of a circular platform approximately 100 cm in diameter that is elevated 40 cm from the ground with 18 escape holes along the perimeter at 30 cm intervals. The animal uses visual cues in the study area to remember and learn where the goal box is located. To avoid box location cues from the maze itself, the table is rotated after a set of trials and the goal box is placed in the original cardinal position. This set up relies on the premise that rodents do not prefer open spaces and will search for the dark box to enter in order to relieve the anxiety of being exposed.
Beam Walk
Measures the animal’s motor control, coordination, and balance. The animals automatically go towards the box because they have the natural instinct to stay away from open areas and go towards closed off areas that are safer. Along both sides of the beam, there are touch sensitive strips that count each time the animal slips off the beam and places its paw on the side strips. Performance is measured by the number of times they slip off the beam and the time it takes for them to make it to the box. A healthy animal can usually traverse the beam with little difficulty, even if it gets as narrow as half an inch on the narrow end. However, animals with motor deficits have a more difficult time with this task and often slip off the beam more than healthy animals.
Rota Rod
Measures motor coordination, balance, and endurance in rodents. In this test, animals are placed on a rotating rod, which gradually increases in speed. Researchers measure the time the animal stays on the rod before falling, assessing its motor skills and ability to maintain balance. This test is widely used in neuroscience to evaluate the effects of neurological diseases, brain injuries, or drug treatments on motor function, especially in studies involving neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease.