Impact of animal handling on the results of 18F-FDG PET studies in mice.

Abstract

Animal handling has a dramatic effect on (18)F-FDG biodistribution and significantly influences the results of microPET studies in tumor-bearing mice. To improve tumor visualization mice should be fasted and warmed before (18)F-FDG injection and during the uptake period. Isoflurane appears well suited for anesthesia of tumor-bearing mice, whereas ketamine/xylazine should be used with caution, as it may induce marked hyperglycemia.