Preclinical Imaging Research

Preclinical imaging research undertaken at the University of Manchester investigates biology in health and disease with the aim of providing information that can be translated into clinical studies. We also use preclinical imaging to address questions that arise directly from clinical imaging.

Current Activities

Pre-clinical imaging research undertaken at the University of Manchester provides a platform for:

Basic biological research into physiology and pathology in animal models:

  • Appetite regulation
  • Psychiatric disease
  • Neuro-inflammation and stroke
  • Oncology
  • Vascular physiology and angiogenesis

Pain Drug discovery:

  • Screening of drugs for efficacy
  • Development of imaging-based biomarkers of treatment effects
  • Early phase testing of new agents

Translational research to inform clinical applications

  • New biomarkers
  • Dose ranging and proof-of-concept for new agents

Reverse translation, using animal models to explore questions that arise directly from clinical imaging.

Imaging modalities applied include MR (diffusion and perfusion weighted MRI), PET (static and dynamic PET), CT and ultrasound. More information can be found at Preclinical Imaging Facilities.