Using echocardiograms for research in small animals, like mice, can be challenging. The procedure causes stress to the mouse, which can affect cardiovascular measurements. Also, the mouse has a tiny heart and a rapid heartbeat between 500 and 700 beats per minute. In addition, the mouse heart's orientation makes certain parts difficult to see.
Echocardiograms are ultrasounds images of the heart. One-dimensional, or M-mode, and two-dimensional, or 2D, images provide a good measurement of the heart's chambers. The images can detect movement, thickness, and size. The 2D image is actually a slice, or a cross-section, of the heart as it is beating.
Doppler adds another dimension to the images. It helps to pinpoint the velocity and the direction of blood flow. It can identify, for instance, places where blood leaks in the heart valves. It can also identify narrowing, or stenosis, in the valves.
Echocardiograms are performed in vivo, or on living animals. They are most accurate when a mouse is awake. Anesthesia can slow the heart to as much as half its normal rate. To mitigate stress, technicians can perform echocardiograms on several subsequent days before they complete their official one. This helps mice adjust to the procedure. Technicians go through several steps to set up the test. First, they remove the mouse's chest hair using a depilatory agent. Second, they attach limb leads to the mouse's wrists and ankles.
Molecular imaging in mice are primarily of the left ventricle. Apical views are hard to obtain, which makes it difficult to see diastolic function in the right ventricle. The photoacoustic test can show the composition of the mouse's left ventricle. It can also detect cardiac lesions, atherosclerosis, and other cardiac diseases.
Researchers have conducted many experiments on mice. These experiments have expanded our understanding of diseases in the human heart. In one test, researchers took echocardiographic images of the hearts of gestating mice fetuses. By doing this, they were able to watch congenital heart disease as it formed. In another test, researchers studied a beta-2 receptor associated with an enzyme found in failing heart tissue. After doing an echocardiogram, they discovered that high occurrences of the receptor correlated with a decrease in heart disease.
Other small animals can receive the ultrasound tests. For instance, scientists have started using the hamster more commonly in experiments. This is because the hamster more closely mimics human heart conditions. The echocardiogram also has veterinary applications. The examinations can help with the diagnosis and management of feline and canine cardiovascular diseases.
Echocardiographs should be carefully set to study small hearts. They should have less than 0.5 millimeters of spatial resolution. They should have a frame rate of 150 hertz and a sweep rate of 200-300 hertz.
Small animal research has provided much information about human disease. Echocardiograms for research in small animals, in particular, have allowed researchers to extrapolate information about heart disease. That information has then been applied to the human heart. Continuation of the research is a critical element in the fight to defeat cardiovascular disease.
Echocardiograms are ultrasounds images of the heart. One-dimensional, or M-mode, and two-dimensional, or 2D, images provide a good measurement of the heart's chambers. The images can detect movement, thickness, and size. The 2D image is actually a slice, or a cross-section, of the heart as it is beating.
Doppler adds another dimension to the images. It helps to pinpoint the velocity and the direction of blood flow. It can identify, for instance, places where blood leaks in the heart valves. It can also identify narrowing, or stenosis, in the valves.
Echocardiograms are performed in vivo, or on living animals. They are most accurate when a mouse is awake. Anesthesia can slow the heart to as much as half its normal rate. To mitigate stress, technicians can perform echocardiograms on several subsequent days before they complete their official one. This helps mice adjust to the procedure. Technicians go through several steps to set up the test. First, they remove the mouse's chest hair using a depilatory agent. Second, they attach limb leads to the mouse's wrists and ankles.
Molecular imaging in mice are primarily of the left ventricle. Apical views are hard to obtain, which makes it difficult to see diastolic function in the right ventricle. The photoacoustic test can show the composition of the mouse's left ventricle. It can also detect cardiac lesions, atherosclerosis, and other cardiac diseases.
Researchers have conducted many experiments on mice. These experiments have expanded our understanding of diseases in the human heart. In one test, researchers took echocardiographic images of the hearts of gestating mice fetuses. By doing this, they were able to watch congenital heart disease as it formed. In another test, researchers studied a beta-2 receptor associated with an enzyme found in failing heart tissue. After doing an echocardiogram, they discovered that high occurrences of the receptor correlated with a decrease in heart disease.
Other small animals can receive the ultrasound tests. For instance, scientists have started using the hamster more commonly in experiments. This is because the hamster more closely mimics human heart conditions. The echocardiogram also has veterinary applications. The examinations can help with the diagnosis and management of feline and canine cardiovascular diseases.
Echocardiographs should be carefully set to study small hearts. They should have less than 0.5 millimeters of spatial resolution. They should have a frame rate of 150 hertz and a sweep rate of 200-300 hertz.
Small animal research has provided much information about human disease. Echocardiograms for research in small animals, in particular, have allowed researchers to extrapolate information about heart disease. That information has then been applied to the human heart. Continuation of the research is a critical element in the fight to defeat cardiovascular disease.
About the Author:
One of the top digital imaging companies providing modalities specifically designed for preclinical research such as biomarker, in vivo imaging, in vivo testing micro imaging, high-resolution imaging, scientific digital imaging, digital imaging system.
No comments:
Post a Comment