LI-COR Pearl Imager used to study nerve gas antidote biodistribution
Lincoln, NE – June 4, 2009: Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have used the LI-COR Pearl™ Imager and IRDye® 800CW fluorophore to visualize and quantify distribution of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme in the brains of mice. BChE, under the commercial name Protexia, has been proposed for prophylaxis and treatment of exposure to organophosphorus poisons and nerve gas agents such as Sarin. The protein can be produced in bulk by transgenic goats, and human trials to test the safety of recombinant human BChE have been conducted as reported in the May 2009 issue of NeuroToxicology (Volume 30, Issue 3, Pages 386-392).
Delivery of BChE to the brain and spinal cord could help to prevent short- and long-term neurological effects of nerve gas, but the 340 kDa enzyme does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this study, BChE labeled with IRDye 800CW was delivered to the brain and spinal cord by intrathecal injection, and biodistribution was tracked in vivo with the Pearl Imager. Levels of BChE in the brain peaked 6 hours after dosing, and confocal fluorescent microscopy and enzyme activity assays confirmed the presence of BChE in brain sections 25 hours after dosing. Now that BChE can be delivered to the central nervous system, its ability to mitigate neurological effects can be evaluated.
This study benefitted from the superior performance of near-infrared imaging offered by the Pearl Imager, which reduces light absorbance and autofluorescence from animal tissue to improve detection sensitivity. The PEARL™ Imager is a dedicated small animal imaging system optimized for superior performance when imaging mice and organs. The Pearl features dual channel, near-infrared detection for excellent sensitivity. LI-COR IRDye® 800CW infrared dye is optimized for optical probe characterization, molecular imaging, organ and tissue section imaging. For more information go to www.licor.com/pearl
About LI-COR Biosciences
LI-COR® Biosciences is a leading manufacturer of near-infrared imaging platforms, analysis software, and LI-COR IRDye® infrared dye reagents for quantitative Western Blotting, small animal imaging, and DNA fragment analysis. The company also offers accessories and reagents for other detection types.
LI-COR pioneered the development of near-infrared fluorescence detection systems for DNA sequencing and today provides systems for drug discovery, protein research, small animal imaging, and undergraduate training. LI-COR instruments for photosynthesis, carbon dioxide analysis and light measurement are recognized worldwide for standard-setting innovation in plant science research and environmental monitoring. Founded in 1971, the privately held company is based in Lincoln, Nebraska, with subsidiaries in Germany and the United Kingdom. LI-COR systems are used in over 100 countries and are supported by a global network of distributors.
