Abstract #2213

Wyatt C, Cross D, Mathis M, Maravilla K, Minoshima S, Hayes C, Flexman J

Since transgenic mice often have compromised immune systems, they are stored in barrier specific pathogen-free (SPF) facilities that have the highest level of pathogen protection available. If a transgenic mouse is removed from the barrier SPF facility, it cannot be returned, putting the animal at risk during future housing. This dilemma is particularly acute for longitudinal imaging studies, where the same subject is used for repeated imaging sessions. In this study, we developed a device that will maintain a SPF environment while allowing for the longitudinal MR scanning of transgenic mice.