Optimization and technology extension of bioluminescence imaging in vivo in small animals

Objective To explore the sensitivity and potential applicability of bioluminescence in vivo imaging technique and to achieve optimization of detection conditions and technique extension.Methods Breast cancer cells 4T-1-Luc+ or liver cancer cells Huh-7-Luc+ with stable expression of luciferase were implanted subcutaneously into BALB/c mice.The sensitivity and effect on the hair were investigated using the small animal in vivo imager of bioluminescent signals.Technique extension was performed by combining bioluminescence with X-ray.Results The hair as showed are obvious interference with the detection of bioluminescent signals emitted from the cancer cells implanted in BALB/c mice.The optical signal could be detected in the cellular mass of 50 cells when local hair was removed.The imaging model established by combining X-ray with bioluminescence could not only detect the strength of optical signals emitted,but also clearly locate some organs and the origin of optical signals or pathological tissue.Conclusion Optimization of bioluminescence imaging condition has been achieved.A imaging model of combining X-ray and bioluminescence is established for the purpose of widening the application of small animal in vivo imaging.