Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) Service in Animal Models of Stroke

Laser scatter contrast imaging (LSCI) is a minimally invasive optical technique for imaging blood flow in vivo. The main advantage of LSCI is that blood flow measurements can be obtained with high spatial and temporal resolution using inexpensive and relatively simple instruments. LSCI has been widely used to image blood flow in the brain, skin, and retina. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) modeling is one of the most common techniques used to create stroke models. The disadvantage of the traditional approach is that a single step does not accurately guarantee the success of the model, and some animals may have neurological symptoms that are similar to those of an ideal stroke model but the actual infarcts are not. The LSCI system can be used to confirm that MCA occlusion has occurred and ischemia is occurring.

Fig. 1. Schematic of the Multi Exposure Speckle Imaging (MESI) instrument. (Parthasarathy et al., 2010)

Our Services

At Ace Therapeutics, we specialize in functional brain imaging, using LSCI in animal models of stroke as a tool to help customers better understand the pathologic mechanisms behind these events. Our highly skilled experts ensure that we provide customers with reliable and high-resolution images.

Cerebral Blood Flow Monitoring

We use LSCI to quantify changes in cerebral cortical blood flow in ischemic stroke model mice with excellent spatial and temporal resolution to document adequate sustained occlusion and monitor reperfusion. The ability to quantitatively image cerebral blood flow will allow clients to design chronic and long-term studies of ischemic stroke.

MCAO Modeling

Ace Therapeutics's LSCI also provides real-time, high temporal, and spatial resolution information before, during, and immediately after ischemic surgery. The high quality of quantitative data provided by LSCI ensures the quality of the MCAO model and improves the success rate. LSCI-guided MCAO model setups, which can be modified based on immediate feedback and corrections provided by the LSCI technology, can be completed in approximately one month. In addition to testing the model, LSCI provides an ongoing review of the postoperative status to assess recovery rates and perfusion improvement.

Applications of Our Services

Our laser scatter contrast imaging services allow us to assist clients in:

• Obtaining real-time, two-dimensional, full-field cerebral blood flow information throughout the stroke procedure and early post-surgical period.
• Understanding the dynamics and mechanisms of stroke-induced collateral circulation.
• Evaluating potential treatments for ischemic stroke.

Ace Therapeutics's LSCI can quantify blood flow changes with excellent spatial and temporal resolution in animal models of stroke, helping clients gain a deeper understanding of the development of stroke treatments. We aim to accelerate your stroke research. If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to contact us!

1. Parthasarathy, A. B., Kazmi, S. S., & Dunn, A. K. (2010). Quantitative imaging of ischemic stroke through thinned skull in mice with Multi Exposure Speckle Imaging. Biomedical optics express, 1(1), 246-259.