iNSiGHT DXA
In Vivo Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA/DEXA) For Preclinical Research.
System Overview
The iNSiGHT DXA system is a state-of-the-art in vivo Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA/DEXA) technology designed for preclinical research. It provides a comprehensive solution for evaluating a wide range of metabolic disorders, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, obesity, and musculoskeletal pathologies, including bone regeneration and muscle wasting diseases.
This system is equipped with a fully shielded X-ray cabinet, making it suitable for small animal DXA applications, with a focus on mice, rats, and animals of similar size (up to 500g). It provides fast and efficient body composition measurements. The system’s fast scan times of 25 seconds, combined with its low-dose radiation, make it ideal for longitudinal studies.
The iNSiGHT system uses dual energy x-rays to obtain highly accurate and reproducible body composition measurements. The system assigns each pixel to one of three compartments: fat mass, non-bone/lean mass, or bone mineral content, providing measurements such as bone mineral density, bone mineral content, bone area, tissue area, fat tissue as a percentage and weight, lean tissue as a percentage and weight, and total weight in grams.
This technology is non-invasive, non-destructive, and does not require any pre-treatment of the animal, contrast, or substrate injection. The iNSiGHT system also provides specific bone length measurements that can be drawn from the 2D x-ray image.
Features & Benefits
The iNSiGHT is a Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA/DEXA) system designed specifically for in vivo preclinical research applications
Easy data acquisition
No preparation steps other anesthesia required. This can be done using the integrated anesthesia system, or with injectable anesthesia if desired.
Once ready the imaging subject is placed on stage and imaging can begin, using the easy-to-use acquisition software.
Large scan area
The iNSiGHT system allows for a variety of animal models and tissue samples to be imaged, from 10g to 500g (scan area: 16.5 cm x 25.5 cm).
This allows users to image not only mice and rats, but other species such as non-human primates, fish, rabbits, etc.
25 second scan time
The iNSiGHT has the fastest in vivo scan time on the market, allowing for high-throughput imaging.
Comprehensive set of images and parameters
In a single scan (25 seconds) the x-ray attenuated image, bone mineral density map and color map are generated.
A number of parameters are calculated from these images, either from the whole animal or for user defined regions of interest (ROI):
- Bone Mineral Content (BMC) (g)
- Bone Mineral Density (BMD) (g/cm2)
- Bone area (cm2)
- Tissue area (cm2)
- Fat tissue (mass and percentage) (g & %)
- Lean tissue (mass and percentage) (g & %)
- Total mass (g)
Low-dose radiation
The iNSiGHT was designed to minimize the ionizing radiation (0.66 mGy) required to generate images and data. This minimization prevents any effect of the image acquisition on the subject, allowing for multiple imaging time points over the course of a longitudinal study.
Adjustable field of view and resolution
The iNSiGHT system has several levels of magnification, adjust the field of view (FOV) and resolution to suite your specific needs.
(pixel resolution from 100µm up to 31µm in Digital Radiography Mode)
Models & Specifications
Add-ons
- Anesthesia Control
- Digital Radiography Mode (collect higher quality images with a pixel resolution of 31µm)
- Offline Analysis Software
iNSiGHT
DXA-
Scan Method: Cone Beam
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Animal Size: Mice, rats, and animals of similar size (up to 500g)
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Image Area (maximum): 16.5 x 25.5cm
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Pixel Size: 100µm at 1.2X 31µm at 4X with DR Mode
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Operating System: Windows 10 and 11, 64bit
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Dimensions (WxDxH): 66 x 61 x 113 cm
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Power: 110/240VAC, 50/60Hz, 200VA
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Operating Temp: 10 ~ 40oC
Applications
Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders happen when the body’s normal processes for using energy and nutrients are disrupted. This can be due to inherited genetic conditions or caused by factors like diet, environment, or lifestyle.
There are many types of metabolic disorders, but some of the most common include diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Researchers use many small animal models of these diseases, and DXA imaging is a helpful tool for studying the genetic, molecular, and biological pathways that play a role in these conditions.
The iNSiGHT DXA system can track how a disease progresses or improves by measuring changes in body composition, such as fat and lean mass, over time. Its detailed images help researchers see the difference between visceral and subcutaneous deposits from lean mass and bone, which is important for better understanding these diseases.
In this example, scientists used a diabetic mouse model to monitor changes in body composition. They found that diabetic mice had lower fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral content compared to healthy control mice.
Kishi K, Goto M, Tsuru Y, Hori M. Noninvasive monitoring of muscle atrophy and bone metabolic disorders using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in diabetic mice. Exp Anim. 2022 Sep 15. doi: 10.1538/expanim.22-0097. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36104204
Drug safety and toxicology
Drug safety and toxicology studies are key to the progression of target compounds progressing to clinical trials. In addition to efficacy of the target compound on their intended pathology, it is also very important to study their safety and potential toxic effects, some of these effects may be seen by studying changes in either the bones or fat and lean tissues. Small animal studies are routinely used for drug safety and toxicology screening protocols prior to target compounds advancing to more advanced preclinical studies in non-human primates for example, or before moving to clinical trials.
The iNSiGHT system can be used to assess changes in body composition in response to the administration of a target compound at an effective dose. This can be done by looking for changes in bone mineral density and content, and/or by measuring changes in fat and lean mass over time.
In this example the researchers were studying the effect of polyphenol treatment on a rat model of ovariectomy.
Kim, J. H., Lee, H., Kim, J. M., Lee, B.-J., Kim, I.-J., Pak, K., Jeon, Y. K., & Kim, K. (2022). Effect of oligonol, a lychee-derived polyphenol, on skeletal muscle in ovariectomized rats by regulating body composition, protein turnover, and mitochondrial quality signaling. Food Science & Nutrition, 10, 1184– 1194.
Musculoskeletal diseases
This is a large group of pathologies, which does include metabolic bone diseases as well as arthritis, both mentioned earlier, but further includes other disease effecting either the bones or muscles. Additional diseases include bone fractures and healing, bone and/or muscle regeneration, muscle wasting diseases. There are a large number of small animal models of these diseases which could benefit from DXA imaging to help elucidate the genetic, molecular, and biochemical pathways that are integral to these pathologies.
The iNSiGHT system can be used to assess the progression or regression of disease in response to a therapeutic regime by measuring changes in bone mineral density and content and/or by measuring changes in fat and lean mass over time.
In this example, low-dose lithium supplementation was examined and found to promote adipose tissue browning and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase uncoupling in muscle.
Geromella MS, Ryan CR, Braun JL, Finch MS, Maddalena LA, Bagshaw O, Hockey BL, Moradi F, Fenech RK, Ryoo J, Marko DM, Dhaliwal R, Sweezey-Munroe J, Hamstra SI, Gardner G, Silvera S, Vandenboom R, Roy BD, Stuart JA, MacPherson REK, Fajardo VA. Low-dose lithium supplementation promotes adipose tissue browning and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase uncoupling in muscle. J Biol Chem. 2022 Nov;298(11):102568. doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102568. Epub 2022 Oct 7. PMID: 36209826; PMCID: PMC9664358.
Metabolic Bone Disease & Arthritis
Metabolic bone disease is a category of several diseases all causing some type of abnormality of deformity within the bone structure. Some examples include osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia, osteogenesis imperfecta etc. There are a large number of small animal models of these diseases which could benefit from DXA imaging to help elucidate the genetic, molecular, and biochemical pathways that are integral to these pathologies.
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, which can lead to swelling and pain within the affected area. It is not a single disease, but more informally refers to joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are a large number of small animal models of these diseases which could benefit from DXA imaging to help elucidate the genetic, molecular, and biochemical pathways that are integral to these pathologies.
The iNSiGHT system can be used to assess the progression or regression of disease in response to a therapeutic regime by measuring changes in bone mineral density and content in the effected joints. Often these changes are seen earlier in the disease progression, while therapies may still be effective, prior to being visible on a traditional x-ray image. Once changes are visible on an x-ray the disease is considered quite advanced and recovery or response to therapy is not likely.
In this example the iNSiGHT DXA system revealed higher cone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) values in the whole body and lumbar vertebrae of C3H mice (mice susceptible to atherosclerosis).
Kim MY, Lee K, Shin HI, Lee KJ, Jeong D. Metabolic activities affect femur and lumbar vertebrae remodeling, and anti-resorptive risedronate disturbs femoral cortical bone remodeling. Exp Mol Med. 2021 Jan;53(1):103-114. doi: 10.1038/s12276-020-00548-w. Epub 2021 Jan 12. PMID: 33436949; PMCID: PMC8080628
Hypoxia
Hypoxia exposure, in vivo, is thought to alter the metabolic state of the exposed animal; this may potentially effect glucose metabolism and energy expenditures. There are a large number of small animal models where hypoxia exposure is being studied, of importance are changes in body composition.
The system provides detailed body composition analysis during hypoxic exposure, with colorimetric imaging to differentiate fat from lean tissue. Relevant for studies in altitude medicine, metabolic health, and cardiovascular research.
In this example the hypoxia exposure causes a reduction of fat mice in mice.
Park, Y., Hwang, D., Park, H.Y., Kim, J. and Lim, K., 2020. Hypoxic Exposure Increases Energy Expenditure by Increasing Carbohydrate Oxidation in Mice. BioMed Research International, 2020.
Past Webinars - iNSiGHT
Publications & Articles
Research Beyond the PIXImus: Considerations for Replacing a Legacy Small Animal DXA System
Research Beyond the PIXImus: Considerations for Replacing a Legacy Small Animal DXA System
The Synergistic Power of Intermittent Fasting and Threonic Acid
Publication Highlight: The Synergistic Power of Intermittent Fasting and Threonic Acid in DIO
Article: Wheat Seedling Extract Ameliorates Sarcopenia in Aged Mice by Regulating Protein Synthesis and Degradation with Anti-Inflammatory and Mitochondrial Biogenesis Effects
Publication Highlight: Wheat Seedling Extract Ameliorates Sarcopenia in Aged Mice by Regulating Protein
Preclinical Bone & Body Composition Imaging
iNSiGHT DXA
Preclinical in vivo DXA/DEXA for bone mineral density, bone mineral content
Measure BMD, BMC, fat mass, lean mass, and related body-composition endpoints from a 25-second scan. Low-dose X-ray acquisition supports repeated longitudinal measurements in small-animal studies.
iNSiGHT DXA Resources
iNSiGHT DXA System Overview
The iNSiGHT DXA system is a state-of-the-art in vivo Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA/DEXA) technology designed for preclinical research. It provides a comprehensive solution for evaluating a wide range of metabolic disorders, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, obesity, and musculoskeletal pathologies, including bone regeneration and muscle wasting diseases.
This system is equipped with a fully shielded X-ray cabinet, making it suitable for small animal DXA applications, with a focus on mice, rats, and animals of similar size (up to 500g). It provides fast and efficient body composition measurements. The system’s fast scan times of 25 seconds, combined with its low-dose radiation, make it ideal for longitudinal studies.
Key Imaging & Workflow Benefits
From fast, low-dose acquisition to quantitative bone and body-composition analysis, iNSiGHT DXA is designed to support efficient longitudinal preclinical imaging workflows.
DXA Acquisition & Quantitative Analysis
iNSiGHT uses dual-energy X-rays to classify tissue into fat mass, non-bone/lean mass, and bone mineral content. From a single 25-second scan, the system generates quantitative bone and body-composition measurements for the whole animal or user-defined regions of interest.
Bone Measurements
Bone mineral density, bone mineral content, bone area, and specific bone-length measurements drawn from the 2D X-ray image.
Body Composition
Quantifies fat tissue mass and percentage, lean/non-bone tissue mass and percentage, tissue area, and total mass.
Whole-Animal & ROI Analysis
Measurements can be calculated from the whole animal or from user-defined regions of interest.
DXA Image Outputs
A single scan generates the X-ray attenuation image, bone mineral density map, and color map.
Applications in Preclinical Research
iNSiGHT DXA supports longitudinal assessment of bone and body composition across a range of preclinical disease models and study designs.
Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity can alter body composition, energy metabolism, and musculoskeletal health. Small-animal models are commonly used to investigate the biological pathways involved in these conditions.
iNSiGHT DXA enables longitudinal assessment of body composition by measuring changes in fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral content, and related endpoints over time. This allows researchers to track disease progression or response within the same study.
Measurements Relevant to Metabolic Research
- Fat mass and percentage
- Lean/non-bone mass and percentage
- Bone mineral content
- Total mass
- Longitudinal changes over time
Diabetic mouse model
In the cited study, diabetic mice showed lower fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral content compared with healthy controls.
Kishi et al., Exp Anim. 2023 · View study
Drug Safety & Toxicology
Drug safety and toxicology studies are an important step before target compounds advance to later preclinical studies or clinical trials. In addition to efficacy, researchers may assess potential toxic effects through changes in bone, fat, and lean tissues.
iNSiGHT DXA can assess body-composition changes following administration of a target compound at an effective dose, including changes in bone mineral density, bone mineral content, fat mass, and lean mass over time.
Measurements Relevant to Drug Safety & Toxicology
- Bone mineral density
- Bone mineral content
- Fat mass
- Lean mass
- Longitudinal changes over time
Ovariectomized rat model
The cited study examined the effect of oligonol, a lychee-derived polyphenol, on skeletal muscle and body composition in ovariectomized rats.
Kim et al., Food Science & Nutrition. 2022
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Musculoskeletal diseases include pathologies affecting bone or muscle, including bone fractures and healing, bone and/or muscle regeneration, and muscle wasting diseases. Small-animal models can use DXA imaging to investigate genetic, molecular, and biochemical pathways involved in these conditions.
iNSiGHT DXA can assess disease progression or regression in response to a therapeutic regimen by measuring changes in bone mineral density and bone mineral content, as well as changes in fat and lean mass over time.
Measurements Relevant to Musculoskeletal Research
- Bone mineral density
- Bone mineral content
- Fat mass
- Lean mass
- Longitudinal changes over time
Low-dose lithium supplementation
In the cited study, low-dose lithium supplementation promoted adipose tissue browning and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase uncoupling in muscle.
Geromella et al., J Biol Chem. 2022 · View study
Metabolic Bone Disease & Arthritis
Metabolic bone diseases include conditions that cause abnormalities or deformities in bone structure, including osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia, and osteogenesis imperfecta. Arthritis refers to joint disease and inflammation, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis among the most common forms.
iNSiGHT DXA can assess disease progression or regression in response to therapy by measuring changes in bone mineral density and bone mineral content in affected joints. The source notes that these changes may be detected earlier in disease progression than on traditional X-ray images.
Measurements Relevant to Bone & Joint Research
- Bone mineral density
- Bone mineral content
- Changes in affected joints
- Whole-body BMC and BMD
- Lumbar vertebral BMC and BMD
C3H mouse model
In the cited example, iNSiGHT DXA revealed higher BMC and BMD values in the whole body and lumbar vertebrae of C3H mice.
Kim MY et al., Exp Mol Med. 2021 · View study
Hypoxia
Hypoxia exposure in vivo is thought to alter the metabolic state of the exposed animal and may affect glucose metabolism and energy expenditure. Small-animal models are used to study these responses, including changes in body composition.
iNSiGHT DXA provides body-composition analysis during hypoxic exposure, with colorimetric imaging used to differentiate fat from lean tissue. This application is relevant to studies in altitude medicine, metabolic health, and cardiovascular research.
Measurements Relevant to Hypoxia Research
- Fat tissue
- Lean tissue
- Body-composition changes during hypoxic exposure
- Colorimetric fat/lean differentiation
Hypoxic exposure in mice
In the cited example, hypoxic exposure was associated with reduced fat mass in mice and increased energy expenditure through greater carbohydrate oxidation.
Park et al., BioMed Research International. 2020
Preclinical Imaging Workflow & System Features
iNSiGHT DXA combines streamlined animal handling, fast acquisition, and flexible imaging settings to support longitudinal preclinical studies.
Easy Data
Acquisition
Flexible Animal & Sample Range
25-Second
Scan Time
Low-Dose Longitudinal Imaging
Adjustable Field of View & Resolution
Shielded, Streamlined Workflow
Configuration & Add-ons
Configure iNSiGHT for Your Workflow
iNSiGHT DXA is available with optional add-ons to support anesthesia, higher-resolution imaging, and offline analysis.
Anesthesia Control
Anesthesia Control is available as an add-on for imaging workflows. Scintica also offers anesthesia systems for small-animal research.
Digital Radiography Mode
Collect higher-quality images with a pixel resolution of 31 µm.
Offline Analysis Software
Available as an add-on for iNSiGHT DXA. For broader biomedical image analysis, Scintica also offers Imalytics Preclinical.
Need help building the right imaging workflow?
Scintica offers complementary small-animal anesthesia and biomedical image-analysis solutions alongside iNSiGHT DXA. Explore the related systems below or contact our team to discuss your study requirements.
Technical Specifications
Key imaging, animal-size, and system requirements for the iNSiGHT DXA platform
| Imaging & Acquisition | |
|---|---|
|
Main Use Case |
Preclinical in vivo DXA/DEXA for bone and body composition measurements |
|
Modality / Capabilities |
DXA / DEXA; bone mineral and body composition analysis |
|
Scan Method |
Cone Beam |
|
Pixel Size |
100 µm at 1.2X; 31 µm at 4X with Digital Radiography Mode |
| Animal & Scan Area | |
|---|---|
|
Animal Size |
Mice, rats, and animals of similar size (up to 500 g) |
|
Maximum Image Area |
16.5 × 25.5 cm |
| System Requirements | |
|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit |
|
Dimensions (W × D × H) |
66 × 61 × 113 cm |
|
Power |
110/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 200 VA |
|
Operating Temperature |
10–40 °C |
iNSiGHT DXA Imaging Gallery
Explore representative iNSiGHT DXA outputs from preclinical models, including X-ray attenuation images, body-composition color images, and bone mineral density maps across rat, marmoset, and chicken studies.
X-Ray Attenuation Image
DXA Imaging of Marmosets
Color Image
Bone Mineral Density Image
Color Image
Continue Exploring iNSiGHT
Access product documentation and explore the latest webinars, publications, application notes, and articles related to the Rodent Surgical Monitor