Digital multi-isotope autoradiography system

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract We request funds for a new autoradiography imager to be located at the Institute for Innovation in Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Autoradiography is a powerful analytical tool for the detection and quantification of isotopes in any tissue sample and is widely accepted as the method of choice for in vivo labeling and biodistribution measurements. Autoradiography has distinct advantages over in vivo imaging, such as higher sensitivity, higher resolution, detection of diverse isotopes, and temporal flexibility. The requested autoradiography provides highly sensitive, real-time imaging, which allows the user to stop the measurement at the ideal timepoint, optimizing experimental outcomes. Currently, investigators use a screen-based autoradiography instrument that is no longer supported by the vendor and requires third party, non-ideal screens. The dual mission of the Institute for Innovation in Imaging is technology development and translational research involving advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography, optical imaging, and ultrasound. The Institute for Innovation in Imaging, the adjacent Martinos Center, and MGH broadly have a strong positron emission tomography imaging and probe development program, represented by the research projects in this application. The proposed equipment would significantly strengthen this research effort though a unique, complementary imaging pathway. The requested instrumentation will be administered as a shared resource for the Institute for Innovation in Imaging, the larger MGH research community, as well as other institutions in the greater Boston area. The Principal Investigator and Advisory Committee will ensure both equitable and cost-effective operation of this system. The acquisition of this real-time autoradiography equipment will establish the only instrument in the greater Boston area capable of making these measurements that are available to academic researchers, and the Institute for Innovation in Imaging is strongly positioned to host this unique capability. We expect the proposed instrument will play an essential role in driving many new discoveries pertaining to a host of medically related issues including cancers, lung diseases, immunology, neurological diseases, heart diseases, liver diseases, stroke, and neural plasticity.