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Preclinical MR Core Facility

At the Ullevål node of the Core Facility we offer non-invasive imaging and high resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The Montebello node is specialized in anatomical and functional imaging. 

Illustrasjon with MR pictures. Made by av Emil Espe.

Illustration: Emil Espe and Tiril Hillestad

Services

At the Ullevål node, we have an Agilent 9.4 T MR scanner dedicated to animal research. It offers unique non-invasive imaging capabilities, including superior spatial and temporal resolution imaging which is not achievable with other existing instruments. The instrument is also ideal for acquiring high resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). MRS offers a non-invasive window on cellular metabolism in vivo.

At the Montebello node, we have a state-of-the-art Bruker BioSpec 7 T MR scanner, dedicated to the investigation of mice and rats. A wide range of MR coils enables non-invasive imaging of all parts of the animal. The system is ideal for functional imaging of xenograft tumors, and we offer tailor-made sequences to study tumor biology.

Primary activity at the Ullevål node is cardiovascular imaging of mice and rats, while the Montebello node is focused on oncologic studies. However, both offer services outside of their main fields of research. 

The core facilities includes a well-equipped surgery room used for preparing the animals for MR exams and a wide assortment of equipment i.e. anesthesia machines, MR compatible vital signs monitors and MR compatible infusion/withdrawal syringe pump.

Researchers both within and outside Regional Health Authority South-East can have access to the scanners. Scientific and technical personnel are available to help in developing MR sequences and scanning procedures as well as to aid image post-processing and analysis, and to teach investigators and fellows.

Location

The Agilent 9.4 T MR scanner is located within the animal care facility at OUS-Ullevål, while the Bruker BioSpec 7 T scanner is located within the animal care facility at Montebello.

More information

Management

Ivar Sjaastad, Core Facility leader, Ullevål node

Tord Hompland, Scientific leader, Montebello

Published Mar. 4, 2016 1:28 PM - Last modified Aug. 30, 2023 10:57 AM