Erasmus MC : Animal Imaging Facility

Erasmus MC has been investing in imaging expertise and systems for quite some time and has built unique expertise in a number of areas. Various technologies (i.e. equipment as well as expertise) will be put together in a newly planned Animal Imaging Facility (AIF). Combinations of imaging modalities can then be applied to a single research question, or one experimental animal. From experience we know that a physical grouping of complementary techniques and expertise is a must to reach successful synergy. The new central AIF will largely be housed in a new research unit in the Erasmus MC Experimental Animal Centre (EDC).

Mission statement
The AIF’s mission is to improve the synergy of imaging techniques applied in ongoing research projects and to initiate new research within AMIE, leading to top-level experimental animal research that is internationally competitive. 

Organisation
The AIF will be organised as follows: 

• The AIF makes use of equipment provided by Erasmus MC departments and put at the disposal of fellow researchers;
  
• The equipment placed in the AIF shall remain in the possession and under management of these departments and if desired will be operated by specialists from the departments involved. The planned premises will also remain under the present management (EDC);
  
• Seeking the expertise of collaborating departments to facilitate researchers in their work, the AIF creates excellent conditions for fruitful collaboration;
  
• The AIF coordinates, manages and develops new techniques in the field of integrated molecular imaging, so as to fully assure continuation and further development;
  
• The AIF employs its expertise in teaching users, future users and (medical) students, and generates recruitment power.
  

Success factors
The central AIF’s keys to success are the following:

• Unique combination and co-localisation of imaging equipment, in connection with the animal facility;
  
• Fusion of expertise in a wide range of imaging modalities;
  
• Availability of animal models, notably a large collection of unique mouse models;
  
• Selective range of imaging equipment and expertise on offer; optimal use of resources and prevention of unnecessary duplication of equipment;
  
• Much improved and more efficient performability of animal experiments, in terms of easier accessibility, available expertise and one-stop-shop mode;
  
• In vivo imaging in one and the same animal may allow fewer animals required;
  
• Improved logistics, higher microbial and environmental safety, and better experimental reproducibility;
  
• Stimulation of reciprocal ‘cross-fertilisation’ of imaging solutions for interesting targets;
  
• Infrastructure for education and training;
  
• Taking initiatives for collective equipment grant applications;
  
• Providing a platform for targeted further expansion of this facility;
  
• Image building towards potential subsidisers and external clients.
  

Experimental animal conditions
A major point of interest is the experimental animal’s optimal condition during imaging procedures. For one thing, appropriate anaesthesia must be established. Then, the long duration of CT, PET/SPECT and MRI runs (5 to 30 minutes) may require to compensate for movements of the target and to synchronise heart- or breathing rhythm with imaging.
In order to meet requirements for the handling of genetically modified organisms and radioactivity so-called closed (tubular) animal scanning beds need to be purchased. This is a field in rapid development. These beds allow for sterile CT, MRI, PET and SPECT scanning, temperature control, supply and discharge of anaesthetic gases, and ECG- and ventilation monitoring.