Reducing Animal Stress During Imaging: New Techniques
Small Animal Imaging now incorporates innovative techniques to minimize stress and discomfort in animals during imaging procedures. Reducing animal stress is crucial for ethical research and for improving the accuracy of imaging data, as stress can alter physiological and metabolic responses.
Recent advances include the use of mild anesthesia protocols, habituation training, and specially designed animal holders that reduce movement and restraint-related anxiety. Non-invasive imaging modalities, such as optical and MRI-based techniques, allow longitudinal studies without repeated invasive procedures, further reducing stress.
Environmental enhancements, like temperature control, dimmed lighting, and soothing background sounds, also improve animal welfare during imaging sessions. AI-assisted motion correction reduces the need for prolonged immobilization, allowing researchers to acquire high-quality images without compromising animal comfort.
Implementing these techniques not only aligns with ethical research standards but also ensures more reliable and reproducible imaging results, enhancing the translational value of preclinical studies.