PCISR is the OSUCCC – James preclinical imaging shared resource, open to all investigators; from those running their first imaging experiment to experienced labs exploring the limits of what in vivo imaging can measure. Bring us your science. We will help you image it.

PCISR specializes in imaging intact, living preclinical subjects dynamically, across spatial scales, and over time. Our team combines advanced imaging and irradiation technologies with scientific consultation, quantitative analysis, and collaborative study support to help investigators visualize biological processes, monitor disease progression, and assess therapeutic response in vivo.

Not sure where to start? Study design consultation is part of what we do. Whether you have a fully designed study or simply a question about whether imaging could help your research, please reach out.

Meet the Team:

Equipment:

Optical Imaging: IVIS Spectrum 2 and IVIS Lumina II

IVIS Spectrum 2

Non-invasive, whole-body optical imaging of light-emitting cells and fluorescent probes in living animals and in vitro studies. The IVIS Spectrum 2 enables investigators to track tumor development, therapeutic response, and cellular dynamics longitudinally, reducing variability to support robust preclinical research.

Ideal for: Tumor burden monitoring, cell trafficking, metastasis studies, and longitudinal treatment-response assessment.
Special features: Supports 2D and 3D bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging for quantitative, repeat imaging in the same animal over time. It offers high-speed, high-throughput capability (up to 5-mice per scan) with high proficiency gained without the need for extensive training.

IVIS Lumina II

Accessible optical imaging for investigator-driven bioluminescence and fluorescence studies. The Lumina II is an established optical imaging system supporting 2D bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging studies both in vivo and in vitro.

Ideal for: Tumor burden monitoring, cell trafficking, metastasis studies, and longitudinal treatment-response assessment in smaller cohort in vivo studies.
Special feature: Supports 2D bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging for quantitative, repeat imaging in the same animal over time. It offers high-speed imaging for up to 3 mice at one time with high proficiency gained without the need for extensive training.

MicroComputed Tomography

SkyScan 1276 microCT

High-resolution, three-dimensional anatomical imaging for preclinical research. The SkyScan 1276 integrates seamlessly with optical imaging workflows, enabling researchers to combine functional and anatomical imaging data or exploit the high-resolution anatomical data independently for preclinical studies.

Best for: Tumor visualization and volumetric analysis, skeletal and bone architecture with up to 2.8 m lateral resolution, body composition studies, and monitoring therapeutic response.
Special feature: Integrates with optical imaging workflows to combine functional and anatomical data. Offers both continuous and step imaging modes.

Irradiation Platforms

Preclinical Irradiation capabilities supporting cancer biology, radiation oncology, and therapeutic-development studies.

RS-2000

The RS-2000 provides efficient irradiation with minimal stress due to multi-animal same-cage exposure with real-time dosimetry and a user-friendly interface. Adjustable shelving and beam hardening filters can adjust radiation dosages for small-animal and cell irradiations.

Ideal for: Anesthesia-free small animal whole-body and cell irradiation studies.
Special feature: Same-cage irradiation minimizes animal stress for in vivo irradiations, while adjustable shelving provides various radiation dose options for cell studies.

Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP)

The SARRP irradiation and microCT platform closely mimics clinical radiation therapy approaches, combining an integrated imaging modality for targeted dose delivery and longitudinal assessment of treatment response.

Ideal for: Precision image-guided irradiation for localized dose delivery. Targeted irradiation experiments, longitudinal assessment of treatment response, and disease progression.

Special Features: Integrated microCT and treatment planning software ensure effective dose delivery to the target site.

XRAD 320 with OptiMax

A combined cabinet irradiation and optical imaging for whole body small animal and in vitro studies. The XRAD 320 provides seamless co-registration of multiple optical imaging techniques and whole-body irradiation for preclinical studies utilizing the modalities independently or cohesively.

Ideal for: Whole-body small animal irradiation studies utilizing additional optical imaging methods.

Special Features: The OptiMax module provides 2D bioluminescence, X-ray, radioisotopic, white light, and X-ray luminescent imaging. These optical imaging techniques can be seamlessly co-registered with one another or integrated into irradiation procedures for accessible multimodal imaging.

Integrated Imaging and Therapy Workflow

By combining optical imaging, microCT, and irradiation technologies, investigators can visualize tumor establishment and progression, deliver targeted interventions, monitor biological response over time, and quantitatively assess treatment efficacy within the same experimental model.

Scientific Consultation & Study Design

PCISR partners with investigators from project conception through data interpretation to develop imaging strategies aligned with scientific objectives and study endpoints. Support includes multimodal study design, longitudinal tumor monitoring, imaging biomarker development, therapeutic-response assessment, endpoint selection, grant and proposal support, protocol development, and reproducible imaging workflows.

Quantitative Imaging & Data Analysis

PCISR provides support for image acquisition, reconstruction, segmentation, analysis, multimodal data integration, interpretation, reporting, data standardization, and reproducibility.

Training & User Support

Support includes one-on-one consultation, imaging protocol development, user training, data-analysis guidance, imaging best practices, and experimental planning. Planned expansion includes additional training resources for quantitative imaging analysis and investigator education.

Preclinical Imaging Studies

Complete study support includes animal preparation, image acquisition, longitudinal monitoring, data collection, and quality control.

Reagents & Supplies

PCISR maintains a standing inventory of select, commonly used imaging reagents and supplies to support your studies. If there is something you or your colleagues require regularly that we do not yet carry, please let us know.