PIXImus Specifications Academic and pharmaceutical researchers commonly use the mouse for investigations of genetics, cellular physiology, and of agents affecting bone or soft-tissue composition. Bone densitometry and body composition measurement using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), eliminate the need for destructive chemical analysis – a time- and labor-consuming process that requires days or weeks to complete.

Bone densitometry allows the researcher the opportunity to make multiple measurements in-situ during the life of the animal. Unfortunately, DEXA densitometers using rectilinear scanning require as much as 30 minutes for a total body acquisition with relatively poor precision (>5%) and spatial resolution (>0.5mm). The long process requires careful sedation techniques and often endangers animal safety. The PIXImus densitometer provides bone mineral and body composition results from total body imaging in under 5 minutes. Fast imaging allows use of milder sedation that is safer on animals.

The PIXImus allows accurate and precise measurement of bone and tissue for small animals 10-50 g (e.g.,mice, lemmings). This measured bone exhibits excellent correlation to total ashed weight (r=0.99). PIXImus uses a lower x-ray energy than that used for peripheral densitometry in humans in order to achieve contrast in the extremely low density bone. Excellent precision of BMD and %Fat makes PIXImus ideal for longitudinal studies. The standard total body focuses on the active bone area in the subcranial region. There are manual ROI’s for selected regions within the total body image, such as spine and femur. PIXImus™ Mouse Densitometer Time minutes/acquisition <5

Pixel Size 0.18 x 0.18 mm

Image Area 80 x 65 mm

Animal Size 10 - 50 grams

Location of ROIs Subcranial total body Manual ROIs for spine, femur and custom applications

Results Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in mg/cm2 Bone Mineral Content (BMC) in mg Bone area in cm 2 %Fat Lean tissue in grams Fat tissue in grams

Positioning Custom positioner for animal immobilization – disposable to reduce contamination

X-ray Geometry Cone beam Stationary area detector

Computer Pentium processor Portable Notebook

X-ray Tube/Generator Stationary anode 0.3 mm focal spot Dual-energy supply 80/35 kVp @ 500µA

Physical Dimensions 30W x 63D x 33H cm (12 x 25 x 13 in) <27 kg (59 lb)

Power/Environment 110-120 VAC (±10%), 5A, 60Hz (±2Hz) 200-240 VAC (±10%), 2.5A, 50Hz (±2Hz) 18-27 °C (64-81 °F) operating temp.

Bone Mineral and Body Composition Results

BMD: CV <1.5% BMC: r=0.99 to ash weight %Fat: SD <1% fat

Fast, Non-Invasive Technique 5-minute imaging time No need to sacrifice animals

Ultra High Resolution 0.18 x 0.18 mm pixels

Regional Analysis Total body Spine Femur

Precision Error in vivo Site/Result SD CV Total Body BMD .075 mg/cm 2 1.5% @ 50 mg/cm2 Total Body %Fat 1% fat 5% @ 20% fat