Rat whole body BriteVu study

0
Jul 27, 2019/ Off Comments / in Non-Human Mammals
Rat whole body BriteVu study

The Brown (or Norway) rat (Rattus norvegicus) is one of the most commonly used animals in research.  Additionally, rats are common pets.  Rodents (mostly mice and rats) are commonly used for many research studies.  Vascular studies make up a significant number of rodent research projects.  By evaluating vasculature, researchers can understand normal anatomy and look for variations that help define disease or ‘abnormalities’.

This study involved defining the rat’s ‘whole body’ blood supply.  The rat was first soft tissue preserved using a novel technique.  Next, BriteVu and BriteVu Enhancer was used to perfuse the vasculature.  This step fills the blood vessels with X-ray dense material that is then visualized using CT scans.  The Epica Vimago CT collected the images at 200µm.

The data was then processed using common digital imaging tools to create videos and pictures.  The images show the rat with and without BriteVu.  Now the animal’s blood supply can be easily seen before and after perfusion with BriteVu.  This allows researchers and clinicians to better understand anatomy in health and disease.

Video of whole body blood supply in the rat.

Video of whole body blood supply in the rat- Maximum intensity projection.

Rat whole body BriteVu study

Rat perfused with BriteVu. Whole body blood supply study.