Single-shot echo-planar functional magnetic resonance imaging of representations of the fore- and hindpaws in the somatosensory cortex of rats using an 11.7 T microimager.
Most of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments have been performed on horizontal bore magnets. Here, we present practical aspects of fMRI based on single-shot, spin-echo echo-planar imaging (EPI) using a widely available, cost effective 89 mm bore vertical 11.7 T microimager. It was demonstrated that reproducible, high-quality fMRI data can be obtained from alpha-chloralose anesthetized adult rat brain. Both coronal and the more extended horizontal EPI images were acquired to measure blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) responses to electrical stimulation of fore- and hindpaws. The BOLD patterns observed match the known representations of fore- and hindpaws in the somatosensory cortex in rats. Preliminary results on BOLD signal enhancement using aminophylline are also presented.
Chen
Zhengguang
Z
Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bldg. 10, Rm. 2D51A, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-1527, USA.
Shen
Jun
J
D000818:Animals; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / Q000502:physiology*; D005528:Foot / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*