Dedicated Chamber for Multimodal in Vivo Imaging of Adult Zebrafish

Abstract

In vivo imaging of adult zebrafish is challenging, particularly for dynamic or long acquisitions when using, for example, positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An aqueous environment is indispensable to ensure animal welfare, but commercial small-Animal imaging chambers do not provide such conditions, as they are designed for rodents. In this study we present a dedicated flow-Through chamber that includes fish immobilization and allows for the continuous supply of fresh water and anesthetics, as well as the removal of excretions. Both flow simulations and experiments, as well as first scans with MRI and CT, support the suitability of the chamber.