Real-Time fMRI Brain Mapping in Animals

J Vis Exp. 2020 Sep 24:(163). doi: 10.3791/61463.

Abstract

Dynamic fMRI responses vary largely according to the physiological conditions of animals either under anesthesia or in awake states. We developed a real-time fMRI platform to guide experimenters to monitor fMRI responses instantaneously during acquisition, which can be used to modify the physiology of animals to achieve desired hemodynamic responses in animal brains. The real-time fMRI set-up is based on a 14.1T preclinical MRI system, enabling the real-time mapping of dynamic fMRI responses in the primary forepaw somatosensory cortex (FP-S1) of anesthetized rats. Instead of a retrospective analysis to investigate confounding sources leading to the variability of fMRI signals, the real-time fMRI platform provides a more effective scheme to identify dynamic fMRI responses using customized macro-functions and a common neuroimage analysis software in the MRI system. Also, it provides immediate troubleshooting feasibility and a real-time biofeedback stimulation paradigm for brain functional studies in animals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Software
  • Somatosensory Cortex / physiology

Substances

  • Oxygen