This application is for a Bruker SkyScan 1276 micro-CT instrument together with the necessary computer hardware and operational and data analysis software package. Investigators at National Jewish Health conduct NIH-supported research into the origins and mechanisms of chronic lung diseases in mouse models. However, the Institution does not have a micro-CT instrument to enable high resolution imaging of lung disease development, progression, resolution and response to therapeutic and genetic interventions. Thus, there is a substantial unmet need for the requested system. The micro-CT system will be operated and maintained within the Animal Physiology Core located in the National Jewish Health Biological Resource Center (i.e. animal facility). Operation, training and day-to-day management will be the responsibility of an experienced Core Manager. Oversight will be provided by the Biological Resource Center Director/Veterinarian, the Principal Investigator and the micro-CT Oversight Committee. A practical financial and management plan has been developed to ensure that the instrument will be properly maintained and effectively used over its projected lifespan.
Chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer and asthma, adversely impact the live of millions of Americans. Research being conducted in mouse models is aimed at understanding how these diseases develop and they can be treated. The small animal micro-CT instrument that is being requested will accelerate research into, and treatment of, these diseases by enabling investigators to conduct high resolution imaging of the lungs of mice.
