New developments in magnetic resonance imaging of the brain

Abstract

Summary:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) continues to have a large impact on the diagnosis and management of a number of diseases, especially diseases associated with brain injury. The strengths of MRI are the unique contrast that can be obtained, and the fact that it is not harmful and that it can be readily applied to human and animal models. The past decade has seen development of functional MRI techniques that measure aspects of hemodynamics and water diffusion that are playing an important role. Indeed, these techniques are having a major impact on management of brain injury. The development of MRI continues at a rapid pace and a renewed push to increased spatial and temporal resolution will extend the applicability of anatomical and functional MRI. Increased interest in molecular imaging using MRI is increasing the number of processes that can be imaged in the brain. This work reviews some new developments that are being made in anatomical, functional, and molecular MRI of the brain, with comments about usefulness for work in the area of neuroprotection.

Traits of fear resistance and susceptibility in an advanced intercross line

“…These included parametric study of fear conditioning, baseline hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function, HPA axis gene expression, and measures of brain structure and function in vivo with manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI). MEMRI signal enhancement primarily derives from intracellular accumulation of Mn 2+ through voltage‐gated Ca 2+ channels, allowing high‐resolution visualisation of functionally dependent neural processing and brain anatomy (Koretsky, , ; Silva et al ., ; Silva & Bock, ).…”

Manganese concentration mapping in the rat brain with MRI, PET, and autoradiography

“…After systemic administration, Mn 2+ reaches the extracellular space in the brain, where it enhances T1‐weighted image contrast and anatomical detail. Mn 2+ is taken up by voltage‐gated calcium channels, allowing its accumulation and resulting image contrast to also act as a marker for neuronal activity with the advantage of being insensitive to blood hemodynamics . This property has been employed to assess neuronal activity in response to auditory, electrical, or pharmacological stimuli.…”

A survey of the brain regions affected by acute massage therapy: a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) pilot study

“…oxygen free blood) (Bammer et al, 2005). The increase in blood flow to the local vasculature that accompanies neural activity in the brain is termed the hemodynamic response (Koretsky, 2004).…”