Ace Therapeutics has developed a variety of neuroimaging techniques suitable for preclinical studies of rodent models of neurological and psychiatric disorders for multimodal imaging of small animals such as mice and rats. Our goal is to study animal models of neurological and psychiatric disorders in order to provide you with new insights in elucidating the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders and in the development of antipsychotic drugs.

Introduction of Preclinical Imaging in Psychiatry

Preclinical imaging techniques allow mapping the dynamic responses of brain networks in animal models. Comparing them to those reported in clinical studies allows for quantitative data and parameters to determine whether established preclinical animal models of psychiatric disorders translate effectively. In addition, emerging imaging techniques for preclinical studies can be used to look for underlying neurological abnormalities in patients with psychiatric disorders, thus providing potential imaging markers for the early identification and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders.

Fig. 1 Multiple imaging techniques for studying brain activity in rodents. (Markicevic M, et al., 2011)

Preclinical Imaging Services

Ace Therapeutics supports the development and optimization of translational biomarkers for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Our methods and equipment are available to support a variety of neuroimaging applications in preclinical neuroscience. We are dedicated to providing support in the field of psychiatric disorders, from planning experiments to data acquisition, analysis and reporting. Our scientists are dedicated to translating discoveries from preclinical models into new therapies for human neurological and psychiatric disorders.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Psychiatry

We have small animal MRI systems for preclinical and molecular MRI studies, based on which we can provide our clients with preclinical imaging of small animals, fixed tissue and cell samples with high spatial and temporal resolution to help scientists investigate brain abnormalities associated with psychiatric disorders.

• Computed Tomography (CT) in Psychiatry

To better understand the progression and treatment of psychiatric disorders, you can use our CT imaging for quantitative 3D tomographic imaging of radioactive tracers, bone and soft tissue. We offer a complete solution, from subject and study processing, to scan execution, image reconstruction co-registration and image fusion, data analysis and automated report generation.

• Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in Psychiatry

Our DXA system is specifically designed for use in preclinical small animal models such as mice and rats. Mental disorders and the medications used to treat them can have a negative impact on bone health. With the DXA system we can assess changes in animal body composition, looking for changes in bone mineral density and content, or by measuring changes in fat and lean body mass over time.

• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) in Psychiatry

We are dedicated to acquiring high-resolution images by TEM to study ultrastructural details, providing information about nanoparticle uptake, biodistribution, and relationships with cellular and tissue components. We aim to help researchers achieve high-throughput preclinical translational studies that lead to faster and more effective development of treatments for psychiatric disorders.

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in Psychiatry

We have multiple SEMs with different capabilities to image a variety of biotic and abiotic samples to provide morphological details to address almost all psychiatric challenges. We can perform SEM on various types of materials.

• Positron emission tomography (PET) in Psychiatry

We are dedicated to helping you assess whole brain or local metabolism, tissue perfusion or receptor density through different PET methods to help you identify specific changes in brain dysfunction and to better understand the underlying pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders.

• Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) in Psychiatry

We typically combine SPECT with CT scans and PET imaging to generate quantifiable data on anti-psychotic drug binding and brain function. Our comprehensive portfolio of imaging capabilities supports a multimodal approach to measuring changes in brain structure and function in models of psychiatric disorders and treatment efficacy studies.

• Functional Ultrasound (fUS) Imaging in Psychiatry

We provide ultra-fast spatial and temporal resolution images of acute or chronic pharmacological manipulations in various animal models of psychiatric disorders through fUS. We are committed to providing novel biomarkers and therapeutic options for mental disorders through fUS.

• Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in Psychiatry

We offer fNIRS imaging services for studying various brain regions, including frontal, visual, motor, auditory, and somatosensory cortices. In addition, fNIRS allows us to analyze energy metabolism and changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in the animal brain, thus reflecting regional changes in neuronal activation.

Ace Therapeutics provides advanced preclinical imaging solutions in the field of psychiatric disorders to help researchers achieve high-throughput preclinical translational studies that lead to faster and more effective development of future therapies. If you are interested in our preclinical imaging services, please feel free to make an inquiry.

Reference

1. Markicevic M, et al. Emerging imaging methods to study whole-brain function in rodent models. Transl Psychiatry. 2011, 11: 457.