Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis offers In Vivo Imaging Core (IVIC) in Infectious Diseases to provide a cost-effective and sustainable in vivo imaging resource and multi-dimensional data analysis for WUSM researchers. Two-photon microscopy is widely used in the fields of cell biology, immunology and microbiology to image single-cell dynamics in native 3D tissue environments. The IVIC has expertise with small animal surgery and various imaging preparations including:

  • Non-invasive in vivo imaging of skin, phalangeal joints and oral mucosa with longitudinal imaging possible in some cases.
  • Invasive intravital imaging of peritoneal (bowel, kidney, spleen, bladder), thoracic (heart, lungs), CNS (brain, spinal cord), peripheral tissues (lymph nodes). Invasive imaging preparations are terminal procedures only.
  • Explant imaging of animal tissues/intact organs, human biopsy tissues, cell culture systems.

The IVIC provides a nexus of technical and scientific expertise for in vivo imaging methods/approaches, the development of improved methods for multi-dimensional analysis and can assists with the design and characterization of fluorescent protein reporter mouse models. A secondary goal of the IVIC is to provide hands on training opportunities for students and post-docs with interest in two-photon imaging and quantitative data analysis. The IVIC facility includes fully equipped microscope dark rooms, wet lab areas, a short-term mouse holding area and a clean room for data analysis and project consultation.

Researchers at Washington University have priority for booking the equipment and services, but researchers from outside academic institutions and industry are encouraged to inquire about our services and fees for contract work. Please visit our website for more information on reservations, core services and imaging applications. If you have any questions or would like to request a quote, please feel free to contact us by email (invivoimagingcore@wustl.edu) or phone (314-362-3044).