Home › Cell Biology › In vivo Bioluminescent Imaging of Mammary Tumors Using IVIS Spectrum
Cell Biology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

In vivo Bioluminescent Imaging of Mammary Tumors Using IVIS Spectrum

DOI: 10.3791/1210-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Prepare luciferase-expressing mammary tumor cells for subcutaneous implantation
  • ✓ Perform subcutaneous tumor cell injection in mice using proper technique
  • ✓ Acquire and interpret bioluminescent images using IVIS Spectrum imaging system
  • ✓ Monitor tumor growth longitudinally through serial optical imaging
Protocol

Mammary tumor cells expressing luciferase are implanted subcutaneously in mice and visualized using optical imaging to monitor tumor growth and development non-invasively in a longitudinal study.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~15-20 min per mouse (injection); ~5-10 min per imaging session over 2-4 week monitoring period
Model organism
Mouse (strain not specified)
Biosafety
BSL-1

Steps

1
Prepare luciferase-expressing mammary tumor cells

Culture and prepare mammary tumor cells that express luciferase reporter gene. Ensure adequate cell viability and concentration for injection.

▶ 00:48
2
Inject tumor cells subcutaneously into mice

Administer prepared tumor cell suspension subcutaneously into anesthetized mice at designated injection site. Verify proper injection technique and cell delivery.

▶ 02:57
3
Acquire bioluminescent images using IVIS

Position mice in IVIS Spectrum imaging chamber, administer luciferin substrate, and capture optical images to visualize luciferase-expressing tumor cells.

▶ 04:06
4
Monitor tumor growth over time course

Perform serial bioluminescent imaging at defined intervals to track tumor development and progression longitudinally throughout the study period.

▶ 06:27
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