AwakeSPECT is a SPECT (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography) imaging system that has been developed to enable molecular brain imaging of untrained mice that are conscious and unanesthetized.
The use of dynamic imaging in mice to monitor changes in brain chemistry due to disease progression or drug effects is a crucial tool for advancing disease diagnosis and treatment. Traditional nuclear imaging studies involve drugging or restraining mice, potentially biasing results. However, researchers from Jefferson Lab, Oak Ridge, Johns Hopkins, and Maryland introduced the AwakeSPECT system. This innovative approach allows imaging of conscious, unrestrained mice, shedding light on the impact of anesthesia on dopamine transporter imaging in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
AwakeSPECT, a system developed by these researchers, enables functional brain imaging without the need for anesthesia or restraints. By utilizing Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), radionuclides are injected into specific brain areas and emit gamma rays for detection from various angles. The resulting three-dimensional images provide valuable insights into disease physiology.
This groundbreaking technology incorporates custom-built gamma cameras from Jefferson Lab, an infrared camera system for mouse tracking from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and a CT system for anatomical details. Unlike traditional methods, AwakeSPECT allows mice to move freely during imaging, enhancing the accuracy of results by eliminating motion artifacts.
The recent study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine showcases the effectiveness of AwakeSPECT in capturing detailed brain images of conscious mice in motion. This advancement not only benefits animal research but also holds promise for potential future applications in human studies.
Science is one step closer to detailed and accurate mind reading with technology.
