Molecular-level functional magnetic resonance imaging of dopaminergic signaling.
We demonstrate a technique for mapping brain activity that combines molecular specificity and spatial coverage using a neurotransmitter sensor detectable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This molecular functional MRI (fMRI) method yielded time-resolved volumetric measurements of dopamine release evoked by reward-related lateral hypothalamic brain stimulation of rats injected with the neurotransmitter sensor. Peak dopamine concentrations and release rates were observed in the anterior nucleus accumbens core. Substantial dopamine transients were also present in more caudal areas. Dopamine-release amplitudes correlated with the rostrocaudal stimulation coordinate, suggesting participation of hypothalamic circuitry in modulating dopamine responses. This work provides a foundation for development and application of quantitative molecular fMRI techniques targeted toward numerous components of neural physiology.
Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Taekwan
T
Lee
Lili X
LX
Cai
Victor S
VS
Lelyveld
Aviad
A
Hai
Alan
A
Jasanoff
D000818:Animals; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D059290:Dopaminergic Neurons; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009251:NADPH-Ferrihemoprotein Reductase / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D009714:Nucleus Accumbens / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D003287:Contrast Media; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; D009251:NADPH-Ferrihemoprotein Reductase; C052423:flavocytochrome P450 BM3 monoxygenases; D004298:Dopamine