IACUC / LARC STANDARD PROCEDURES

IMAGING PROCEDURES FOR LIVE MICE AND RATS IN A SPECT/CT OR PET/CT SCANNER

Description of procedure:

1. SPECT or PET Only
Radionuclide tracers for SPECT or PET imaging will be injected via IP (intraperitoneal) or IV (intravenous) routes. After injection, depending on the specific imaging agent being used, there may be a delay prior to imaging, during which the animal may be allowed to recover from anesthesia. Anesthesia is not required for IV or IP injections.

Mice or rats will be imaged under general anesthesia. The animal will be positioned within the scanner and will be visually monitored throughout the scan. The SPECT or PET imaging is performed via the detection of radiation emitted from the tracers that have been injected into the animal.

Following the scan, the animal will be allowed to recover from anesthesia and returned to housing for repeated imaging studies at a later time as required. Each session will last approximately 30-60 minutes.

2. CT Only
CT contrast media may be injected via IP (intraperitoneal) or IV (intravenous) routes, or administered orally prior to or during imaging if necessary. After injection, depending on the specific contrast agent being used, there may be a delay prior to imaging, during which the animal may be allowed to recover from anesthesia. Anesthesia is not required for IV or IP injections or for oral dosing. Mice or rats will be imaged under general anesthesia. The animal will be positioned within the scanner, and will be visually monitored through the scan. During CT scans, the animal will be imaged using x-rays.

Following the scan, the animal may be allowed to recover from anesthesia andreturned to housing for repeated imaging studies if needed.

3. Combined SPECT and CT, or PET and CT
Mice and rats will be imaged under general anesthesia.  The animal will receive radionuclide tracers and/or CT contrast media via IP (intraperitoneal), IV (intravenous), or oral routes. After administration, depending on the imaging agent being used, there may be a delay prior to or during imaging, during which the animal may be allowed to recover from anesthesia.

The animal will be anesthetized prior to the imaging process and then maintained under general anesthesia during the imaging study. The animal will be positioned within the scanner, and will be visually monitored through the scan. The SPECT or PET imaging is performed via the detection of radiation emitted from the tracers that have been injected into the animal. During CT scans, the animal will be imaged using x-rays.

Following the scan, the animal may be allowed to recover from anesthesia and housed in the animal facility for repeated imaging studies if needed.
Is this necessary?? Not really part of a standard procedure.

Regulated materials:
This procedure requires general anesthesia for imaging and inhalant anesthesia is recommended. Isoflurane is commonly used and is not a controlled substance. Alternative anesthetics that are controlled substances (e.g., ketamine, pentobarbital) require a Controlled Substance Authorization (CSA).  Radionuclide tracers are regulated materials and require a Radiation Use Authorization (RUA).  All agents should be listed in the “Agents” section of the protocol in RIO.

Literature search words required:

Key Words	Search Site	Years Covered
Search 1:small animal and SPECT AND CT Search 2: (mouse OR rat) and dual modality and imaging	Pubmed	1985-2009
Search 1: (small animals AND SPECT AND CT); Search 2: (mouse OR rat) and dual modality AND imaging	Google	No Limit

Agents:

• Isoflurane, potential injectables depending on protocol.
  This procedure involves anesthesia, and injected contrast media.  All agents administered to animals should be listed in the “Agents” section of RIO.

Adverse effects, monitoring, and management :

Adverse Effects
Procedure, Agent or Phenotype	Potential Adverse Effects	Management
Contrast Agents	None anticipated, as animals will be anesthetized throughout procedure	None needed
Radiation dose from tracers and CT	Nausea (Manifested as generalized ill appearance) and/or diarrhea	We will image the animal acutely and under anesthesia, and then will euthanize the animal. Alternatively, LARC veterinarians may be consulted.
Radiation dose from tracers and CT	Susceptibility to infection	We will treat with antibiotics in consult with veterinary staff at LARC for recommendations about management on a case-by-case basis.

Monitoring Parameters
Monitoring Parameters	Frequency	PI/Lab will Document
General appearance and behavior	Daily Monday - Friday	Yes

Describe the conditions, complications, and criteria (e.g. uncontrolled infection, loss of more than 15% body weight, etc.) that would lead to removal of an animal from the study, and describe how this will be accomplished (e.g. stopping treatment, euthanasia).

Animals will be removed from the study following criteria in the protocol from which the animal was originally transferred.  In addition, an affected animal will be removed from the study if it exhibits signs such as labored respiration, decreased appetite or activity, poor grooming, distress, uncontrolled infection, or uncontrolled edema.   Any such conditions, complications, and instances will be documented. Animals removed from the study will be euthanized.