RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The Use of Ostrich Eggs for In Ovo Research: Making Preclinical Imaging Research Affordable and Available
JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine
JO J Nucl Med
FD Society of Nuclear Medicine
SP 1901
OP 1906
DO 10.2967/jnumed.118.210310
VO 59
IS 12
A1 Martin Freesmeyer
A1 Christian Kuehnel
A1 Thomas Opfermann
A1 Tobias Niksch
A1 Steffen Wiegand
A1 Ronny Stolz
A1 Ralph Huonker
A1 Otto W. Witte
A1 Thomas Winkens
YR 2018
UL http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/59/12/1901.abstract
AB In ovo studies are a valuable option in preclinical research, but imaging studies are severely limited by the costs of dedicated equipment needed for small-sized eggs. We sought to verify the feasibility of using larger, ostrich, eggs (Struthio camelus) for imaging on the PET/CT scanners used for routine clinical investigations. Methods: Ostrich eggs were incubated until shortly before hatching, prepared for intravitelline venous injection of contrast medium or radiotracer, and imaged using native CT, contrast-enhanced CT, and PET/CT. Any technical adaptations that were needed to improve the outcome were noted. Results: Of the 34 eggs initially incubated, 12 became fully available for imaging of embryonal development. In ovo imaging with conventional PET/CT not only was feasible but also provided images of good quality, including on dynamic PET imaging. Conclusion: In ovo imaging with ostrich eggs and routine clinical scanners may allow broader application of this field of preclinical research, obviating costly dedicated equipment and reducing the number of animals needed for classic animal research. Further experiments are warranted to refine this novel approach, especially to reduce motion artifacts and improve monitoring of viability.