The University of Southern California (USC) has announced that it will install MR Solutions' cryogen-free 7-Tesla PET/MR system for preclinical Alzheimer's and stroke research.

“In collaboration with MR Solutions we are seeking to optimize imaging tools and apply them in preclinical model systems in such a manner that they are directly usable in the clinic," Dr. Russell Jacobs, professor of research physiology and biophysics at USC's Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute (ZNI), said in a statement.

Jacobs and his colleagues are working with researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine to use the PET/MR to better understand the cause of Alzheimer's with rat models and image assays of in vivo effects of several neuroprotection schemes in stroke. They also plan to refine methodologies that describe how neuronal pathways go wrong when an individual has a disease or ages, and develop and test novel cancer immunotherapies.
“We are excited about having a robust small animal imaging center at the ZNI available to researchers and clinicians throughout the Keck School of Medicine of USC, as it is an ideal way to translate laboratory findings into clinical practice,” said Dr. Berislav Zlokovic, director of the ZNI.

MR Solutions is the only manufacturer with a range of cryogen-free MR systems and simultaneous PET and SPECT imaging in combination with MR. The systems are available with 3T, 4.7T, 7T and 9.4T magnets.

For simultaneous PET/MR imaging, MR Solutions’ PET module is inserted within the bore of the MR system. The company also offers sequential PET/MR imaging by clipping the PET module to the front of the MR system.

With the clip-on option, the MR and PET systems can be used independently without the need to move the subjects to different systems. Oftentimes the systems are located in different parts of the laboratory or research center.

MR Solutions installed the first system in 2012, and since then research centers around the world have showed interest. The University of Sydney and the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam also installed the large bore, cryogen-free 7T MR system.

Research centers in Russia and China have purchased the regular bore 7T MR system; and USC, San Diego, and the IBS Centre for Nanomedicine in Korea have acquired the newest 3T cryogen-free MR system.

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