Photoacoustic Imaging (PAI) Service in Animal Models of Stroke

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) methods are based on the excitation of light-absorbed energy and its conversion to sound waves due to the corresponding thermoelastic expansion to reconstruct an image of an object with optical resolution and acoustic propagation. There are two main implementations of PAI: photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT), which allow the study of the same biological phenomena on very different scales. Using hemoglobin as an endogenous contrast agent, PAI is capable of label-free imaging of blood vessels in the brain and mapping hemodynamic functions (e.g., blood oxygenation and blood flow). PAI can already be a useful imaging tool in the case of ischemic stroke.

Fig. 1. Multi-scale photoacoustic imaging for small-animal stroke research. (Menozzi et al., 2022)

Our Services

Ace Therapeutics provides non-invasive, label-free, high-resolution photoacoustic imaging methods to examine hemodynamic features of brain tissue for preclinical stroke studies. Our PAI technology has been widely used in three animal models of stroke, including photothrombotic (PT) stroke, temporary and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke. Our highly skilled experts ensure that we provide our customers with reliable, high-resolution images.

Imaging mini-stroke at single-vessel level

We utilize high-speed PAM to monitor the occurrence of mini-strokes at the capillary level in mouse models. Combining microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) scanning mirrors with high pulse repetition rate lasers, we can image the microvascular system with high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution, helping our clients visualize the location of occlusions and measure changes in microvascular blood flow due to photothrombosis.

Multi-scale imaging of ischemic stroke on small-animal models

We use PACT to study ischemic stroke at the whole-brain level in small animal (rat and mouse) models with a spatial resolution of a few hundred microns. In addition, we can visualize PT stroke in mice structurally and functionally.

Applications of Our Services

Our magnetic resonance imaging services allow us to assist clients in:

• Monitoring capillary density, oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in targeted small cerebral arteries after stroke onset.
• Monitoring the dynamics of the cortical microenvironment and blow redistribution in animal models of stroke.
• Obtaining hemoglobin information and brain activity signals.
• Understanding the neuroprotective processes and hemodynamics occurring in response to ischemic stroke.
• Evaluating potential treatments for ischemic stroke.

Ace Therapeutics's PAI is a validated tool for preclinical stroke research and can be used extensively to study the hemodynamic processes involved in ischemic stroke. We help our customers achieve micro-imaging at the single vessel level and macro-imaging at the tissue level, providing adequate indicators for timely monitoring of stroke disease progression. We aim to accelerate your stroke research. If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to contact us!

1. Menozzi, L., et al. (2022). Sound out the impaired perfusion: Photoacoustic imaging in preclinical ischemic stroke. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 1055552.