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Preclinical Imaging Core: 9.4T small-animal MRI & hyperpolarized xenon imaging

Facilities & testing

University

High-field 9.4T small-animal MRI and hyperpolarized xenon imaging for in-vivo disease-model research. Serves internal and external researchers, with trained self-operation or staff-run acquisition and analysis.

Overview

The Preclinical Imaging Core, part of UIC's Research Resources Center, offers high-field small-animal MRI and specialized imaging protocols, including hyperpolarized xenon gas imaging for lung research. Serves both internal and external researchers across in-vivo disease models, with staff-run acquisition and image analysis or trained self-operation.

Available services

Small-animal MRI and MR spectroscopy (MRS)
Hyperpolarized 129Xe gas-phase imaging (lung / gas exchange)
Quantitative mapping: T1 / T2 / T2*, ADC, and DTI analysis
Multi-organ imaging and animal disease-model studies with physiological monitoring
MR image-analysis service
Two engagement modes: trained self-operation, or staff-run acquisition

Equipment & instruments

Agilent 9.4T MRI — 31 cm bore; three gradient sets up to 1000 mT/m; task-designated RF coils; supports animals up to 15 cm diameter; isoflurane anesthesia, temperature control, and vital-signs/ECG-gated monitoring
Polarean 9820 129Xe Hyperpolarizer — high-purity hyperpolarized 129Xe for gas-phase MR, sited beside the 9.4T suite

Access & booking

Partners contact the director to scope access; requests and scheduling run through the Getting Started pathway and UIC iLab (uic.ilab.agilent.com). Serves both intramural and external researchers. In-vivo work requires IACUC-approved animal protocol.

Location

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Laboratory (NMRL), 830 S Wood St, Room B01, Chicago, IL 60612.

About University of Illinois Chicago

UIC researchers are advancing discoveries across the life sciences, engineering, computer science, energy, manufacturing, public health, biomedical and other fields. Our scientists are supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, and other federal agencies.

Through UI Health, UIC offers a major academic health system with deep expertise in translational research, clinical trials, health information sciences and community-engaged healthcare. Beyond campus, UIC collaborates extensively with industry, other universities, national laboratories, government agencies, healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations to translate research into real-world impact. From cutting-edge core facilities and specialized research infrastructure to world-class faculty and interdisciplinary research centers, UIC provides partners with access to a uniquely urban innovation ecosystem designed to accelerate discovery, commercialization and societal benefit.