Imaging in Cardiovascular Disease Models

Imaging in Cardiovascular Disease Models

CD BioSciences offers cardiovascular disease modeling and imaging services, providing comprehensive solutions for preclinical research. We specialize in developing a wide range of animal models, including surgically induced myocardial infarction models and genetically modified animal models, tailored to specific cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis. Our advanced imaging capabilities encompass echocardiography, cardiac MRI, PET/SPECT, intravital microscopy, and optical imaging, enabling detailed, real-time visualization and quantification of cardiac anatomy, function, blood flow, and molecular processes.

Roles of Imaging Technology in Preclinical Cardiovascular Disease Research

Imaging technology plays a pivotal role in preclinical cardiovascular disease research by providing essential tools for visualizing and understanding the complex physiological and pathological processes of the heart and vascular systems. Advanced imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound offer non-invasive methods to evaluate myocardial perfusion and metabolism in animal models, facilitating the understanding of cardiovascular disease mechanisms and the evaluation of novel therapeutic agents.

Imaging of myocardial metabolism in ratsFigure 1. Myocardial metabolic imaging in rats. (Sosnovik DE, Scherrer-Crosbie M. 2022)

What Can We Do for Cardiovascular Disease Modeling & Imaging?

Customized Cardiovascular Disease Models

Model Types Modeling Methods
Myocardial Infarction
  • Coronary artery ligation (permanent or temporary).
  • Temporary occlusion of a coronary artery followed by reperfusion.
Heart Failure
  • Myocardial infarction-induced heart failure.
Atherosclerosis
  • ApoE-/- mice, Ldlr-/- mice, fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet.
Thrombosis
  • FeCl3-induced thrombosis.
  • Intravenous injection of Rose Bengal followed by laser illumination to induce thrombosis.
Arrhythmias
  • Inducing arrhythmias through controlled electrical stimulation of the heart.

In addition to these specific models, we offer customized model development tailored to individual research needs, including the use of specific animal species, induction methods, and combination models.

Preclinical Cardiovascular Disease Imaging Services

Service Items Imaging Techniques Detection Indicators
Imaging the Viscoelastic Properties of the Myocardium
  • MRI
  • Doppler imaging
  • Echocardiography
  • Ultrasound elastography
Myocardial stiffness, viscosity, and elasticity
Imaging of Myocardial Metabolism
  • PET
  • MRI
Glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, metabolic substrate utilization, and changes in metabolite concentrations
Imaging of Myocardial Perfusion
  • Micro-CT
  • Echocardiography
  • PET
  • SPECT
  • MRI
Myocardial blood flow, regional perfusion defects, and coronary artery stenosis
Imaging of Myocardial Mechanics
  • Echocardiography
  • MRI
Left ventricular ejection fraction, wall thickening, myocardial strain and strain rate, and ventricular volumes
Imaging of Myocardial Microstructure
  • Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
Myocardial fiber orientation, cellular organization, and changes in tissue architecture.
Imaging of Myocardial Inflammation
  • PET
  • Fluorescence imaging
  • Intravital microscopy
Inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine expression, and activation of inflammatory pathways.
Imaging of Myocardial Healing and Fibrosis
  • MRI
  • OCT
  • PET/ SPECT
  • Fluorescence imaging
Scar tissue formation, collagen content, microvessel density, and vascular remodeling.
Imaging of Myocardial Regeneration
  • Bioluminescence imaging
  • Fluorescence imaging
  • PET
  • Diffusion tensor MRI
Engraftment of transplanted cells, cell survival, and differentiation
Imaging of RV and Pulmonary Circulation
  • MRI
  • Echocardiography
Right ventricular size and function, pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance
Real-time Microcirculation Imaging
  • Intravital microscopy
Capillary density, blood flow velocity, and leukocyte-endothelial interactions.

CD BioSciences excels at customizing experimental models that recapitulate a spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, coupled with advanced imaging techniques to explore the complexities of cardiac function and pathology. Our services are designed to advance cardiovascular research and drug development. Contact us today to discover how our tailored services can accelerate your studies.

Reference
  1. Sosnovik DE, Scherrer-Crosbie M. Biomedical imaging in experimental models of cardiovascular disease. Circ Res. 2022, 130(12):1851-1868.

*If your organization requires the signing of a confidentiality agreement, please contact us by email.

Please note: Our services can only be used for research purposes. Do not use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures!

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