Ephoran Multi Imaging Solutions Preclinical Services is a contract research organization (CRO) located in the Bio Industry Park of Canavese at Colleretto Giacosa (Torino, Italy), offering preclinical MRI and Ultrasounds imaging services. In vivo preclinical imaging service in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasounds is one of the most important specialization of Ephoran in particular for the evaluation of the contrastographic properties of novel MRI and US contrast agents and for the application of MRI and US in the assessment of the therapeutic properties of drugs.
MRI uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field to provide remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. Radiofrequency waves are directed at protons, the nuclei of hydrogen atoms, in a strong magnetic field. The protons are first "excited" and then "relaxed" emitting radio signals that can be computer-processed to form an image. In the body, protons are most abundant in the hydrogen atoms of water, so that an MRI image shows differences in the water content and distribution of various body tissues. This imaging system is particularly suitable for the simultaneous acquisition of both anatomic and metabolic information. While anatomic resolution (<100 µm) requires long acquisition times and weak magnetic fields (1.5-2 T), functional data usually rely on faint signals that need strong magnetic fields (3-10 T) and rapid scans. This is particularly challenging when applied to small animals, in which a short acquisition time would ultimately result in an important drop in spatial resolution. As a consequence, functional data in small animals usually require the administration of appropriate tracers that enhance the signal relative to a given biological function. The expertise of experimental imaging teams and the availability of MR equipments covering a wide spectrum of magnetic fields provides for a complete range of platform applications. Preclinical MRI is performed on state-of-the-art systems:
- A clinical 0.2 T system for imaging large animals (dogs and minipigs) and rodents with dedicated coils.
- A 3 T system with a horizontal magnet (31 cm bore) equipped with two gradient bores (Φ>21cm,> 11cm); strength >200 mT/m and > 400 mT/m at 200A, two transmitter and receiver channels for 1H, 13C, and 19F imaging, two transmit and surface coils for brain and cardiac imaging of small and large animals.
- A 7T MR system with one gradient bore (Φ >15); strength 300 mT/m , RF coils mice and rats whole body, cardiac and respiratory gating.
High frequency ultrasound is a proven technology that relies on sound waves to image soft tissue, High-resolution, micro-ultrasound imaging system offers preclinical researchers a new way to view and quantify minute physiological structures and functions in vivo and in real time with near microscopic resolution. It is applied to quantify angiogenesis, tumor growth, cardiovascular disease, and plaque formation in small animal models.
The addition of ligand-specific markers is also making this modality one of the fastest growing in terms of adoption. The Ultrasound Imaging Laboratory is equipped with an High resolution micro-ultrasound system operating with a spatial resolution of < 30 µm for mouse and rat imaging. Expertise of Ephoran's founders guarantees outstanding knowledge in MRI and US techniques in particular in the design and synthesis of dedicated contrast agents and in their applications in animal model testing. Molecular targeted contrast media for MRI and US and scanning techniques targeting specific molecular processes are available, with applications including different pathological conditions such as oncology (from tumor cells to xenograft and orthotopic animal models), inflammatory processes, cardiovascular and CNS diseases. Ephoran has developed strong and qualified scientific collaborations in this field in particular with academia and research institutions.