Ultra high field MRI for small animals

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 456565718

Non-invasive imaging in small animals using magnetic resonance imaging is an indispensable part of preclinical research and enables the non-invasive detection of morphological, functional and molecular organ and tissue changes. The research projects mentioned in this application focuses on oncologic and immunologic topics for imaging in mouse and rat models, using the development of novel and innovative imaging methods to improve the diagnosis of oncologic and immunologic diseases. Small animal imaging is performed in the already established laboratory for experimental multimodal imaging (Preclinical Imaging Platform Erlangen) in close cooperation with renowned experts in magnetic resonance physics. In the Preclinical Imaging Platform Erlangen we have access to further dedicated small animal scanners whose imaging information can be considered as complementary to magnetic resonance imaging: Computed tomography, positron emission tomography, optical imaging and ultrasound. In terms of multimodal imaging, the magnetic resonance scanner will be integrated into the central small animal imaging unit of the Friedrich-Alexander University in order to correlate results with other modalities. Since the equipment applied for is a replacement of a currently existing ultra-high field magnetic resonance tomograph that is no longer supported by the manufacturer, the entire infrastructure is already in place and can be used without any changes. The laboratories of the Preclinical Imaging Platform Erlangen are attached to the central animal facility of the Friedrich-Alexander University and are fully integrated in terms of hygiene. Since the Preclinical Imaging Platform Erlangen is operated as a core facility, the magnetic resonance tomograph applied for is also available to other preclinically oriented research groups of the university.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Ultrahochfeld MRT für Kleintiere
• Instrumentation Group: 3231 MR-Tomographie-Systeme
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Leader: Professor Dr. Tobias Bäuerle