VisualSonics VevoF2 for preclinical ultrasound imaging

The proposal is requesting capital investment in ultrasound equipment developed by VisualSonics specifically for small animal studies. University of Dundee conducts ground breaking research in understanding the causes of diseases such as Parkinson's, Brain tumours, non-alcoholic Liver fibrosis, diabetes and lung disease. In order to develop drugs or understand why disease occurs we need to use rodent models to mimic the disease, or to test how effect drugs are to prevent the disease progression.
Ultrasound imaging allows non-invasive imaging of the mouse or rat to measure organ function such as heart, liver, lung or measure tumour volume. The ultrasound has advanced technology allowing to see inside the small mouse to image blood vessels, flow of blood, or development of tumours.
As the technique is non-invasive it refines current techniques, allowing repeat measurements in the same animal, which improves the accuracy of results. Together this reduces the amount of animals that are required. This is important in the 3Rs of reduction, replacement and refinement of animal studies.
VisualSonics have just launched a new version of their ultrasound machine (VevoF2), which has easy to follow analysis and touch screen to allow for quick measurements. They have provided access to controlling the ultrasound by providing programable app like software. This means that engineers can work with biomedical scientists at the UoD to develop new ways to use this technology for small animal studies.

The availability of this cutting-edge technology to the University will provide a development opportunities for technicians, students and early career researchers.

The objectives are:
1. To embed an ultra-high definition ultrasound (Vevo F2) in University Dundee animal unit to enhance pre-clinical small animal imaging towards MRC remit areas
2. To train technicians, post-doctoral and PhD students in non-invasive imaging using ultrasound to enhance professional progression
3. Develop multidisciplinary collaborations between medicine and engineering to enable innovation in preclinical imaging
4. Refine current animal studies by application of non-invasive ultrasound imaging work as part of commitment to 3Rs in animal research.

The proposal is requesting capital investment for a VisualSonics ultrasound equipment to enhance the current research environment at the University of Dundee. The VevoF2 is the newest ultra-high frequency ultrasound system from Visualsonics developed specifically for small animal use. The equipment would provide a new dimension in our ability to phenotype pre-clinical animal models and validate potential therapy at the University of Dundee (UoD). The major rationale for the capital investment request is to support a large number of researchers (>11), in diverse range of MRC priority areas, in three UoD schools (Medicine, Life Sciences and Science & Engineering), thus contributing to the training environment of early career researchers in critical technology for future career advancement the VevoF2 will drive mechanistic understanding of pathophysiology through non-invasive, longitudinal in vivo monitoring of disease onset, progression, and response to therapy in; liver fibrosis, development of type1-diabetes and pancreas function, cardiovascular pregnancy models, glioblastoma tumour development, lung fibrosis inflammatory disease, intestinal parasite infections and neurodegeneration. The lead applicant Dr Murdoch has extensive knowledge of ultrasound imaging and will support training of groups at UoD.
The objectives are:
1. To embed an ultra-high definition ultrasound (Vevo F2) in University Dundee animal unit to enhance pre-clinical small animal imaging towards MRC remit areas
2. To train technicians, post-doctoral and PhD students in non-invasive imaging using ultrasound to enhance professional progression
3. Develop multidisciplinary collaborations between medicine and engineering to enable innovation in preclinical imaging
4. Refine current animal studies by application of non-invasive ultrasound imaging work as part of commitment to 3Rs in animal research.