Activation of single whisker barrel in rat brain localized by functional magnetic resonance imaging

Negative functional response to sensory stimulation and its origins

Functional imaging studies typically give prominence to positive responses. However, negative changes that accompany activation-induced positive responses are not yet clearly understood. The authors investigated the origin of sustained negative CBF responses that accompanied positive CBF changes. Measurements were made in the rat somatosensory cortex in response to whisker stimulation using laser-Doppler imaging. Flux images indicative of CBF were obtained at rest and during whisker stimulation with a spatial resolution of 200 microm. Large and intermediate blood vessels in the cortical surface exhibiting high flux values were clearly resolved. This greatly reduced the contamination of the tissue pixel volume with macroscopic blood vessels. Regions that responded positively to whisker stimulation were from areas with intermediate to low baseline flux and distinctly away from high flux areas. Stimulation-induced change in signal intensity was the largest in pixels with low baseline flux, presumably from tissue and microvessels. Simultaneously, a sustained decrease in signal intensity was observed in regions with high baseline flux values. The temporal coherence, macrovascular origin, lesser trial-to trial variability, and complete absence of the negative CBF response in the microvascular regions suggest that it may be purely hemodynamic in nature.

Cortical depth-dependent gradient-echo and spin-echo BOLD fMRI at 9.4T

To examine cortical depth-related spatial specificity and signal changes in gradient-echo (GE) and spin-echo (SE) blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI signals, a well-established cat visual stimulation model was used at 9.4T. The GE BOLD signal percent change is the highest at the surface of the cortex containing pial vessels, and decreases as cortical depth increases. In contrast, the SE BOLD signal is more specific to parenchyma, showing the highest signal change in the middle cortical areas. The stimulation-induced DeltaR2* to DeltaR2 ratio is dependent on the vessel size, which is related to basal susceptibility effects. The averaged ratio of DeltaR2* to DeltaR2 in all active regions, including large vessels, is 3.3 +/- 0.5 (N = 6). The averaged ratio of DeltaR2* to DeltaR2 is 8.8 +/- 1.7 (N = 4) on the surface of the cortex with large pial draining vessels, and decreases to 1.9 +/- 0.1 on the middle cortical areas with parenchymal microvessels. DeltaR2*/DeltaR2 is closely related to basal susceptibility effects and can be used to differentiate tissue from vessel regions.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging in the awake rabbit: a system for stimulus presentation and response detection during eyeblink conditioning

We describe a reliable system to control the timing of multiple stimuli and to detect eyeblink responses during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The methods for stimulus delivery and timing, eyeblink detection, and response quantification are described in detail. We are using these methods in awake rabbits to study eyeblink conditioning (EBC) as a model paradigm for the study of learning and memory. Examples of conditioned eyeblinks in the awake rabbit during fMRI are presented for validation of our techniques. The results indicate that eyeblinks can be reliably recorded during fMRI, and that neither the stimulus delivery nor the response detection interferes with each other or affect the quality of the images. The combined fMRI/behavioral techniques should be useful for examining the entire brain simultaneously during the associative learning of a conditioned reflex in an animal model system.

Multishot partial-k-space EPI for high-resolution fMRI demonstrated in a rat whisker barrel stimulation model at 3t

A multishot partial-k-space EPI technique is presented and validated by fMRI at high spatial resolution. High-resolution phase maps corrected by phase-encoded reference scans have less off-resonance effects. Phantom studies demonstrate that this method can substantially improve partial-k-space EPI image formation. BOLD fMRI at submillimeter spatial resolution (156 x 156 x 2000 microm(3), 0.049 microl) was achieved in a rat whisker barrel stimulation model using this technique. The study included eight rats, five of which were administered an intravascular contrast agent (monocrystalline iron oxide nanocolloid (MION)) after the BOLD experiments. In two rats the highest BOLD responses were in the deep layers (IV-VI), and in six rats the highest responses were on the surface and in the deep cortical layers. Most of the pixels that exhibited high BOLD responses had high blood volume weightings. The benefits of this technique are expected to increase for high-resolution fMRI at higher magnetic fields, where T(2) (*) is shorter.

Experimental model for functional magnetic resonance imaging of somatic sensory cortex in the unanesthetized rat

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has evolved into a method widely used to map neural activation in the human brain. fMRI is a method for recording blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals. These signals change with local cerebral blood flow coupled to neural activity. However, the relationship between BOLD signals and neural function is poorly understood and requires the development of animal models. Here we use an unanesthetized rat preparation to study BOLD responses to whisker stimulation in somatic sensory barrel cortex. Five rats were trained to tolerate restraint in a holder and fMRI noise with positive reinforcement. For maximal immobilization, the head was fastened to the holder with nuts screwed on threaded bolts attached to the head. On scanning day, residual stress was alleviated with injections of diazepam, and the rats were restrained in the holder and transferred into the scanner. After >75 min to allow the tranquilization to abate, structural images were acquired from three coronal brain slices. Subsequently, functional images were taken utilizing 4-min epochs without stimulation alternated with equivalent epochs during which the right caudal whiskers were stimulated with three air puffs/s. After 4 weeks, fMRI could be repeated in four rats. In seven of the nine functional runs, head motion was minimal and whisker stimulation resulted in a statistically significant (P </= 0.05) increase in BOLD signal in barrel cortex predominantly on the contralateral side. The results provide encouragement that long-term fMRI studies on cerebral function in unanesthetized rats may be feasible with our procedure.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of sensory responses in layer 2/3 of rat barrel cortex measured in vivo by voltage-sensitive dye imaging combined with whole-cell voltage recordings and neuron reconstructions

The spatiotemporal dynamics of the sensory response in layer 2/3 of primary somatosensory cortex evoked by a single brief whisker deflection was investigated by simultaneous voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging and whole-cell (WC) voltage recordings in the anesthetized rat combined with reconstructions of dendritic and axonal arbors of L2/3 pyramids. Single and dual WC recordings from pyramidal cells indicated a strong correlation between the local VSD population response and the simultaneously measured subthreshold postsynaptic potential changes in both amplitude and time course. The earliest VSD response was detected 10-12 msec after whisker deflection centered above the barrel isomorphic to the stimulated principal whisker. It was restricted horizontally to the size of a single barrel-column coextensive with the dendritic arbor of barrel-column-related pyramids in L2/3. The horizontal spread of excitation remained confined to a single barrel-column with weak whisker deflection. With intermediate deflections, excitation spread into adjacent barrel-columns, propagating twofold more rapidly along the rows of the barrel field than across the arcs, consistent with the preferred axonal arborizations in L2/3 of reconstructed pyramidal neurons. Finally, larger whisker deflections evoked excitation spreading over the entire barrel field within approximately 50 msec before subsiding over the next approximately 250 msec. Thus the subthreshold cortical map representing a whisker deflection is dynamic on the millisecond time scale and strongly depends on stimulus strength. The sequential spatiotemporal activation of the excitatory neuronal network in L2/3 by a simple sensory stimulus can thus be accounted for primarily by the columnar restriction of L4 to L2/3 excitatory connections and the axonal field of barrel-related pyramids.

Quantitative comparison between functional imaging and single-unit spiking in rat somatosensory cortex

The profile of activity across rat somatosensory cortex on stimulation of a single whisker was examined using both intrinsic signal imaging and electrophysiological recording. In the same animals, under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia, the intrinsic signal response to a 5-Hz stimulation of whisker C2 was recorded through a thinned skull. Subsequently, the thinned skull was removed, and individual cortical neurons were recorded at multiple locations and in all cortical layers in response to the same whisker stimulation paradigm. The amplitude of the evoked response obtained with both techniques was quantified across the cortical surface with respect to distance (<or=1.6 mm) from the peak intrinsic signal activity. Cortical neurons were rated as having a significant or nonsignificant whisker-evoked response as compared with a baseline period of spontaneous firing; a minority of neurons exhibited a small but significant increase in neuronal spiking even at long distances (>1.6 mm) from the optically determined peak of activity. Overall, this analysis shows a significant correlation between the two techniques in terms of the profile of evoked activity across the cortical surface. Furthermore, this data set affords a detailed and quantitative comparison between the two activity-dependent techniques-one measuring an intrinsic decrease in light reflectance based largely on metabolic changes and one measuring neuronal firing patterns. Studies such as this, comparing directly between imaging and detailed electrophysiology, may influence the interpretation of the extent of the activated area as assessed with in vivo functional imaging techniques.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of sensory responses in layer 2/3 of rat barrel cortex measured in vivo by voltage-sensitive dye imaging combined with whole-cell voltage recordings and neuron reconstructions

The spatiotemporal dynamics of the sensory response in layer 2/3 of primary somatosensory cortex evoked by a single brief whisker deflection was investigated by simultaneous voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging and whole-cell (WC) voltage recordings in the anesthetized rat combined with reconstructions of dendritic and axonal arbors of L2/3 pyramids. Single and dual WC recordings from pyramidal cells indicated a strong correlation between the local VSD population response and the simultaneously measured subthreshold postsynaptic potential changes in both amplitude and time course. The earliest VSD response was detected 10-12 msec after whisker deflection centered above the barrel isomorphic to the stimulated principal whisker. It was restricted horizontally to the size of a single barrel-column coextensive with the dendritic arbor of barrel-column-related pyramids in L2/3. The horizontal spread of excitation remained confined to a single barrel-column with weak whisker deflection. With intermediate deflections, excitation spread into adjacent barrel-columns, propagating twofold more rapidly along the rows of the barrel field than across the arcs, consistent with the preferred axonal arborizations in L2/3 of reconstructed pyramidal neurons. Finally, larger whisker deflections evoked excitation spreading over the entire barrel field within approximately 50 msec before subsiding over the next approximately 250 msec. Thus the subthreshold cortical map representing a whisker deflection is dynamic on the millisecond time scale and strongly depends on stimulus strength. The sequential spatiotemporal activation of the excitatory neuronal network in L2/3 by a simple sensory stimulus can thus be accounted for primarily by the columnar restriction of L4 to L2/3 excitatory connections and the axonal field of barrel-related pyramids.

Laminar specificity of functional MRI onset times during somatosensory stimulation in rat

The blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) response to somatosensory stimulation was measured in alpha-chloralose-anesthetized rats. BOLD fMRI was obtained at 40-ms temporal resolution and spatial resolution of 200 x 200 x 2,000 microm(3) by using a gated activation paradigm in an 11.7 T MRI. Results show a consistent heterogeneity of fMRI onset times and amplitudes. The earliest onset time (0.59 +/- 0.17 s, n = 9) corresponded anatomically to layer IV, with superficial and deeper layers starting significantly later (1.27 +/- 0.43 s in layers I-III, and 1.11 +/- 0.45 s in layer VI). The amplitude of BOLD signal changes also varied with the cortical depth from the pial surface. Changes in the supragranular layers (8.3%) were 44% bigger than changes in the intermediate layers (5.5%), located only approximately 700 microm below, and 144% larger than the bottom layer (3.5%), located approximately 1.4 mm below the pial surface. The data presented demonstrate that BOLD signal changes have distinct amplitude and temporal characteristics, which vary spatially across cortical layers.

Mapping at glomerular resolution: fMRI of rat olfactory bulb

The rat olfactory bulb contains approximately 2000 functional units called glomeruli which are used to recognize specific characteristics of odorants. Activity localization of individual glomerulae ( approximately 0.002 microL) has important consequences for understanding mechanisms in olfactory information encoding. High-resolution functional MRI (fMRI) data from the rat olfactory bulb are presented using the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) method at 7 T. Either individual or clusters of fMRI voxels suggestive of activity in the olfactory nerve and glomerular layers were reproducibly detected with repeated 2-min exposures of iso-amyl acetate at spatial resolution of 0.001-0.003 microL. The importance of glomerular clustering for olfaction and the implications of BOLD mapping with even higher spatial resolution (i.e., <<0.001 microL voxels) are discussed. High-resolution in vivo mapping of the rat olfactory bulb with fMRI at high magnetic field promises to provide novel data for understanding olfaction.

MR microscopy and high resolution small animal MRI: applications in neuroscience research

The application of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the study of human disease using small animals has steadily evolved over the past two decades and strongly established the fields of "small animal MR imaging" and "MR microscopy." An increasing number of neuroscience related investigations now implement MR microscopy in their experiments. Research areas of growth pertaining to MR microscopy studies are focused on (1). phenotyping of genetically engineered mice models of human neurological diseases and (2). rodent brain atlases. MR microscopy can be performed in vitro on tissue specimens, ex vivo on brain slice preparations and in vivo (typically on rodents). Like most new imaging technologies, MR microscopy is technologically demanding and requires broad expertise. Uniform guidelines or "standards" of a given MR microscopy experiment are non-existent. The main focus therefore of this review will be on biological applications of MR microscopy and the experimental requirements. We also take a critical look at the biological information that small animal (rodent) MR imaging has provided in neuroscience research.

Technical aspects and utility of fMRI using BOLD and ASL

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an emerging methodology which provides various approaches to visualizing regional brain activity non-invasively. Although the exact mechanisms underlying the coupling between neural function and fMRI signal changes remain unclear, fMRI studies have been successful in confirming task-specific activation in a variety of brain regions, providing converging evidence for functional localization. In particular, fMRI methods based on blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast and arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion contrast have enabled imaging of changes in blood oxygenation and cerebral blood flow (CBF). While BOLD contrast has been widely used as the surrogate marker for neural activation and can provide reliable information on the neuroanatomy underlying transient sensorimotor and cognitive functions, recent evidence suggests perfusion contrast is suitable for studying relatively long term effects on CBF both at rest or during activation. New developments in combining or simultaneously measuring the electrophysiological and fMRI signals allow a new class of studies that capitalize on dynamic imaging with high spatiotemporal resolution. This article reviews the biophysical bases and methodologies of fMRI and its applications to the clinical neurosciences, with emphasis on the spatiotemporal resolution of fMRI and its coupling with neurophysiology under both normal and pathophysiological conditions.

Recovery of function in cytoprotected cerebral cortex in rat stroke model assessed by functional MRI

Functional recovery in cytoprotected somatosensory cortex in a rat stroke model was studied using functional MRI (fMRI). Calcium antagonist treatment (isradipine) following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) reduced the infarct volume by 33 +/- 9%. The somatosensory cortex representing the forepaws was spared from infarction; however, cerebral blood flow (CBF) was significantly reduced in this area 24 hr following pMCAO. Neural function was assessed at days 1, 2, 5, and 12 following pMCAO by fMRI using electrical stimulation of both forepaws. Vehicle-treated rats did not show fMRI responses in the infarcted somatosensory cortex throughout the study. Several of the isradipine-treated animals displayed functional recovery in the cytoprotected cortex at days 5 (3/5 rats) and 12 (5/10). Correlations with fMRI signals showed that normal T2 and ADC values in the respective brain areas are necessary, but not sufficient prerequisites for functionality. Recovery of neural function is associated with normalization of CBF in the cytoprotected brain area.

Normotopic and heterotopic cortical representations of mystacial vibrissae in rats with subcortical band heterotopia

The tish rat is a neurological mutant exhibiting bilateral cortical heterotopia similar to those found in certain epileptic patients. Previous work has shown that thalamocortical fibers originating in the ventroposteromedial nucleus, which in normal animals segregate as 'barrel' representations for individual whiskers, terminate in both normotopic and heterotopic areas of the tish cortex (Schottler et al., 1998). Thalamocortical innervation terminates as barrels in layer IV and diffusely in layer VI of the normotopic area. Discrete patches of terminals are also observed in the underlying heterotopic area suggesting that representations of individual vibrissa may be present in the heterotopic somatosensory areas. The present study examines this issue by investigating the organization of the vibrissal somatosensory system in the tish cortex. Staining for cytochrome oxidase or Nissl substance reveals a normal complement of vibrissal barrels in the normotopic area of the tish cortex. Dense patches of cytochrome oxidase staining are also found in the underlying lateral portions of the heterotopic area (i.e. the same area that is innervated by the ventroposteromedial nucleus). Injections of retrograde tracers into vibrissal areas of either the normotopic or heterotopic area produce topographically organized labeling of neurons restricted to one or a small number of barreloids within the ventroposteromedial nucleus of the thalamus. Physical stimulation of a single whisker (D3 or E3) elicits enhanced uptake of [(14)C]2-deoxyglucose in restricted zones of both the normotopic and heterotopic areas, demonstrating that single whisker stimulation can increase functional activity in both normotopic and heterotopic neurons. These findings indicate that the barrels are intact in the normotopic area and are most consistent with the hypothesis that at least some of the individual vibrissae are 'dually' represented in normotopic and heterotopic positions in the primary somatosensory areas of the tish cortex.

Mapping of brain activation in response to pharmacological agents using fMRI in the rat

Functional MRI (fMRI) was used to investigate the effects of psychotropic compound activity in the rat brain in vivo. The effects of dizocilpine (MK-801) an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist and m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), a 5-HT(2b/2c)-receptor agonist on rat brain activity were investigated over a time interval of about 1 h and the results were compared to published glucose utilisation and cerebral blood flow data. Signal magnitude increases were observed predominantly in limbic regions following MK-801 administration (0.5 mg/kg i.v) whereas signal decreases were restricted to neocortical areas; a characteristic, time dependent pattern of regional changes evolved from the thalamic nuclei to cortical regions. In contrast, mCPP (25 mg/kg i.p) produced gradual signal intensity increases in limbic and motor regions with signal decreases restricted to the visual, parietal and motor cortices. The results from both compounds show remarkable similarity with autoradiographic measurements of cerebral blood flow and glucose uptake. These experiments suggest that the spatio-temporal capabilities of fMRI may be applied to the in vivo investigation of psychoactive compound activity with potential for clinical applications.

Peripheral somatosensory fMRI in mouse at 11.7 T

The feasibility of performing extremely-high resolution somatosensory fMRI in anesthetized mice using BOLD contrast at 11.7 T was investigated. A somatosensory stimulus was applied to the hindlimb of an alpha-chlorolose anesthetized mouse resulting in robust (p < 4 x 10(-3)) BOLD changes in somatosensory cortex and large veins. Percentage modulation of the MR signal in cortex exceeded 7%. Experiments that artificially modulated the inspired oxygen tension were also conducted; the results revealed large, heterogeneous, BOLD contrast changes in the mouse brain. In addition, T(1), T(2), and T(2)* values in gray matter at 11.7 T were evaluated. Discussion of the sensitivity limitations of BOLD fMRI in the tiny mouse central nervous system is presented. These methods show promise for the assessment of neurological function in mouse models of CNS injury and disease.

Eyeblink conditioning in the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with stimulation of the mystacial vibrissae as a conditioned stimulus

Eyeblink conditioning is a well-understood paradigm for the study of learning and memory and has been successfully employed with the use of auditory and visual conditioned stimuli (CSs). In this study, vibrotactile stimulation of the mystacial vibrissae was examined as an alternative CS in the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The technique is described and acquisition of eyeblink conditioning (EBC) with stimulation of a single row of vibrissae in a delay paradigm is reported. Extinction of EBC with presentation of the CS alone is demonstrated, as well as reacquisition with stimulation of a single whisker. Finally, control experiments ensure that the CS has no auditory components. Ipsilateral presentation of the CS and airpuff is a more effective combination for training than contralateral presentations. Vibrotactile stimulation of the vibrissae as a CS will enable further examination of the neural correlates of learning in a well-characterized sensory system.

From anatomy to the target: contributions of magnetic resonance imaging to preclinical pharmaceutical research

In recent years, in vivo magnetic resonance (MR) methods have become established tools in the drug discovery and development process. In this article, the role of MR imaging (MRI) in the preclinical evaluation of drugs in animal models of diseases is illustrated on the basis of selected examples. The individual sections are devoted to applications of anatomic, physiologic, and "molecular" imaging providing, respectively, structural-morphological, functional, and target-specific information. The impact of these developments upon clinical drug evaluation is also briefly addressed. The main advantages of MRI are versatility, allowing a comprehensive characterization of a disease state and of the corresponding drug intervention; high spatial resolution; and noninvasiveness, enabling repeated measurements. Successful applications in drug discovery exploit one or several of these aspects. Additionally, MRI is contributing to strengthen the link between preclinical and clinical drug research.

Functional MRI and its applications to the clinical neurosciences

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an emerging methodology for studying regional brain function in vivo at relatively high spatial and temporal resolution. Because MRI methods are comparatively inexpensive and entirely noninvasive, fMRI has rapidly become one of the most popular approaches for brain mapping in cognitive and systems neuroscience. There has also been great interest in using fMRI to assist in clinical diagnosis and management, with promising demonstrations of feasibility in a number of applications. Both resting and task-specific regional brain activity can be measured, primarily utilizing alterations in regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) as a surrogate marker for neural function. This article reviews the biophysical and physiological bases of fMRI and its applications to the clinical neurosciences, with particular attention to potential challenges of fMRI under pathophysiological conditions. Carefully controlled prospective evaluation of clinical fMRI in its various potential applications will be required for fMRI to be validated as a clinically useful tool. Because the technology for fMRI is widely available, its impact could be substantial.

Functional MRI at 4.7 tesla of the rat brain during electric stimulation of forepaw, hindpaw, or tail in single- and multislice experiments

Stimulation of peripheral nerves activates corresponding regions in sensorimotor cortex. We have applied functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques to monitor activated brain regions by means of measuring changes of blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast during electric stimulation of the forepaw, hindpaw, or tail in rats. During alpha-chloralose anesthesia, artificial respiration, and complete muscle relaxation, stimulations were delivered at 3 Hz via subcutaneous bipolar electrodes with 500-microseconds-current pulses of 0.2-2.0 mA. Single- or multislice gradient echo images were collected during recording sessions consisting of five alternating rest and stimulation periods. Stimulation of the right and left forepaws and hindpaws repeatedly led to robust activation of the contralateral sensorimotor cortex. There was a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between current pulse strength and amount of activation of the sensory cortex during forepaw stimulation. The center of the main cortical representation of the forepaw was situated 3.4 mm lateral to the midline and 5 mm posterior to the rhinal fissure. The main representation of the hindpaw was 2.0 mm lateral to the midline and 6 mm posterior to the rhinal fissure. Tail stimulation gave rise to a strikingly extended bilateral cortical activation, localized along the midline in medial parietal and frontal cortex 4 and 5 mm posterior to the rhinal fissure. In conclusion, the experiments provide evidence that peripheral nerve stimulation induces a fMRI signal in the respective division of the somatosensory cortex in a stimulus-related manner. The marked cortical activation elicited by tail stimulation underlines the key importance of the tail.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging in rats subjected to intense electrical and noxious chemical stimulation of the forepaw

We examined whether cerebral activation to two different intense and painful stimuli could be detected using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in alpha-chloralose anesthetized rats. Experiments were performed using a 9.4 T magnet and a surface coil centered over the forebrain. A set of gradient echo images were acquired and analyzed using our software based on fuzzy cluster analysis (EvIdent). Following the injection of 50 microl of formalin (5%) into the forepaw we observed a regional increase in signal intensity in the MR images in all animals. Anterior cingulate cortex, frontal cortex and sensory-motor cortex were some of the regions that activated frequently and often bilaterally. Surprisingly, activation appeared sequentially, often occurring first in either the right or the left hemisphere with a separation of seconds to minutes between peak activations. Morphine pre-treatment (1 mg/kg, i. v.) delayed and/or reduced the intensity of the activation resulting in a decrease in the overall response. Following episodes of intense electrical stimulation, produced by two brief stimulations (15 V, 0. 3 ms, 3 Hz) of the forepaw, activation was observed consistently in the sensory-motor cortex contralateral to the stimulation. Activation also occurred frequently in the anterior cingulate cortex, ipsilateral sensory-motor cortex and frontal cortical regions. All these regions of activation were markedly reduced during nitrous oxide inhalation. Treatment with morphine resulted in an inhibition of the activation response to electrical stimulation in most regions except for sensory-motor cortex. Thus, electrical and chemical noxious stimuli activated regions that are known to be involved in the central processing of pain and morphine modified the activation observed. fMRI combined with appropriate exploratory data analysis tools could provide an effective new tool with which to study novel analgesics and their effects on the CNS processing of pain in animal models.

Chronic metabolic sequelae of traumatic brain injury: prolonged suppression of somatosensory activation

Injuries to the brain acutely disrupt normal metabolic function and may deactivate functional circuits. It is unknown whether these metabolic abnormalities improve over time. We used 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) autoradiographic image-averaging to assess local cerebral glucose utilization (lCMR(Glc)) of the rat brain 2 mo after moderate (1.7-2.1 atm) fluid-percussion traumatic brain injury (FPI). Four animal groups (n = 5 each) were studied: sham-injured rats with and without stimulation of the vibrissae-barrel field ipsilateral to injury; and animals with prior FPI, with or without this stimulation. In sham-injured rats, resting lCMR(Glc) was normal, and vibrissae stimulation produced right-sided metabolic activation of the ventrolateral thalamic and somatosensory-cortical projection areas. In rats with prior injury, lCMR(Glc) contralateral to injury was normal, but lCMR(Glc) of the ipsilateral forebrain was depressed by approximately 38-45% compared with shams. Whisker stimulation in rats with prior trauma failed to induce metabolic activation of either cortex or thalamus. Image-mapping of histological material obtained in the same injury model was undertaken to assess the possible influence of injury-induced regional brain atrophy on computed lCMR(Glc); an effect was found only in the lateral cortex at the trauma epicenter. Our results show that, 2 mo after trauma, resting cerebral metabolic perturbations persist, and the whisker-barrel somatosensory circuit shows no signs of functional recovery.

fMRI of visual system activation in the conscious rabbit

A conscious rabbit preparation developed for fMRI, and the results from visual stimulation studies at a 4.7T magnetic field are described. The rabbit is ideal for these experiments because of its natural tolerance for restraint. High spatial and temporal resolution magnetic resonance images, without movement artifacts, were obtained during long periods of restraint. Functional activation in primary visual cortex and lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) were reproducibly observed in response to light stimulus. In comparison to existing anesthetized animal models, a functional response free of the anesthetic modulation can be recorded with the new approach. The conscious animal model can be applied to functional studies of sensory systems, learning and memory, and drug-induced cerebral activation.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of the BOLD fMRI signals: toward mapping submillimeter cortical columns using the early negative response

The existence of the early-negative blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) response is controversial and its practical utility for mapping brain functions with columnar spatial specificity remains questionable. To address these issues, gradient-echo BOLD fMRI studies were performed at 4.7 T and 9.4 T using the well-established orientation column model in the cat visual cortex. A robust transient early-negative BOLD response was consistently observed in anesthetized cat (-0.35 +/- 0.09%, mean +/- SD, n = 8 at 2.9 +/- 0.5 sec poststimulus onset for 4.7 T, TE = 31 ms; -0.29 +/- 0.10%, n = 4 at 3.0 +/- 0.8 sec poststimulus onset for 9.4 T, TE = 12 ms). In addition to its temporal evolution, the BOLD response also evolved dynamically in the spatial domain. The initially spatially localized early-negative signal appeared to dynamically drain from the active sites toward large vessels, followed by a wave of the delayed positive signal, which exhibited similar spatiotemporal dynamics. Only the early-negative BOLD response within 2 sec of the stimulus onset (not the entire dip) yielded columnar layouts without differential subtraction. The functional maps of two orthogonal orientations using the first 2-sec dip were indeed complementary. On the other hand, the delayed positive BOLD response appeared diffused and extended beyond the active sites. It was thus less suitable to resolve columnar layouts. These results have implications for the design and interpretation of the BOLD fMRI at columnar resolution. Magn Reson Med 44:231-242, 2000.

New insights into the hemodynamic blood oxygenation level-dependent response through combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging and optical recording in gerbil barrel cortex

Fast, low-angle shoot functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), based on the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effect, was combined with optical recording of intrinsic signals (ORIS) and 2-deoxyglucose labeling in gerbil barrel cortex. We observed over the activated barrel a positive BOLD signal and increased levels of deoxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin during each period of prolonged (30 sec) D2 vibrissal stimulation. These data show that the hemodynamic basis of this fMRI signal is not necessarily a washout of deoxyhemoglobin, as generally assumed. Instead, they suggest that a positive BOLD signal can also be caused by a local increase of blood volume, even if deoxyhemoglobin levels are persistently elevated. We also show that this alternative interpretation is consistent with theoretical models of the BOLD signal. The changes in BOLD signal and blood volume, which are most tightly correlated with the periodic stimulation, peak at the site of neuronal activation. These results contribute to the understanding of the hemodynamic mechanisms underlying the BOLD signal and also suggest analysis methods, which improve the spatial localization of neuronal activation with both fMRI and ORIS.

New insights into the hemodynamic blood oxygenation level-dependent response through combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging and optical recording in gerbil barrel cortex

Fast, low-angle shoot functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), based on the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effect, was combined with optical recording of intrinsic signals (ORIS) and 2-deoxyglucose labeling in gerbil barrel cortex. We observed over the activated barrel a positive BOLD signal and increased levels of deoxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin during each period of prolonged (30 sec) D2 vibrissal stimulation. These data show that the hemodynamic basis of this fMRI signal is not necessarily a washout of deoxyhemoglobin, as generally assumed. Instead, they suggest that a positive BOLD signal can also be caused by a local increase of blood volume, even if deoxyhemoglobin levels are persistently elevated. We also show that this alternative interpretation is consistent with theoretical models of the BOLD signal. The changes in BOLD signal and blood volume, which are most tightly correlated with the periodic stimulation, peak at the site of neuronal activation. These results contribute to the understanding of the hemodynamic mechanisms underlying the BOLD signal and also suggest analysis methods, which improve the spatial localization of neuronal activation with both fMRI and ORIS.

Epicranial sensory evoked potential recordings for repeated assessment of cortical functions in mice

In the present study, we describe a simple and minimally invasive method to record sensory evoked potentials (SEP) in the anesthetized mouse. The hardware includes a 16-channel acquisition system with a high signal/noise ratio and high temporal resolution. Under general anesthesia the skull is exposed and stainless steel electrodes are placed directly over the bone. A computer controlled electromechanical stimulation is applied to a single whisker or a group of whiskers unilaterally and cortical responses are recorded bilaterally. Primary SEP are detected over the contralateral barrel cortex, but delayed signals appear over the motor cortex, secondary somatosensory cortex and the ipsilateral hemisphere. The size of evoked SEP correlates with the number of stimulated whiskers and responses are reproducible and consistent over time when recorded repeatedly for up to 6 weeks. We conclude that epicranial multichannel recording of SEP represents an interesting, minimally invasive approach to monitor repeatedly cortical activity and study certain aspects of long-term plasticity of evoked responses in mice.

Quantitative multi-modal functional MRI with blood oxygenation level dependent exponential decays adjusted for flow attenuated inversion recovery (BOLDED AFFAIR)

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method is described that allows interleaved measurements of transverse (R(2)(*) and R(2)) and longitudinal (R(1)) relaxation rates of tissue water in conjunction with spin labeling. The image-contrasts are intrinsically blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) weighted, but each contrast is made quantitative by two echo time (TE) and inversion recovery time (TIR) acquisitions with gradient echo (GE) and spin echo (SE) weighted echo-planar imaging (EPI). The EPI data were acquired at 7 Tesla with nominal spatial resolution of 430 x 430 x 1000 microm(3) in rat brain in vivo. The method is termed as blood oxygenation level dependent exponential decays adjusted for flow attenuated inversion recovery (BOLDED AFFAIR) and allows acquisition of R(2)(*), R(2), and CBF maps in an interleaved manner within approximately 12 minute. The basic theory of the method, associated experimental/systematic errors, and temporal restrictions are discussed. The method is validated by comparison of multi-modal maps obtained by BOLDED AFFAIR (i.e., two TE and TIR values with GE and SE sequences) and conventional approach (i.e., multiple TE and TIR values with GE and SE sequences) during varied levels of whole brain activity. Preliminary functional data from a rat forepaw stimulation model demonstrate the feasibility of this method for functional MRI (fMRI) studies. It is expected that with appropriate precautions this method in conjunction with contrast agent-based MRI has great potential for quantitative fMRI studies of mammalian cortex.

Regional brain activation by bicuculline visualized by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Time-resolved assessment of bicuculline-induced changes in local cerebral blood volume using an intravascular contrast agent

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been applied to study rat focal brain activation induced by intravenous administration of the GABA(A) antagonist bicuculline. Using magnetite nanoparticles as a blood pool contrast agent, local changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV) were assessed with high temporal (10 s) and spatial (0.35 x 0.6 mm(2)) resolutions. Upon infusion of the bicuculline region-specific increases in CBV have been observed, suggesting CBV to reflect brain activity. During the first 2 min, the signal increases were predominant in the cortex, followed by increases in other brain areas, such as the caudate putamen, thalamus and cerebellum. Ten minutes after the start of infusion, a dominant response was observed in the thalamus, while in the caudate putamen a biphasic response pattern was seen. The magnitude of the signal responses in all brain regions was dependent on the dose of bicuculline and, in general, matched the known distribution of GABA(A) binding sites. This study suggests that pharmacological fMRI, displaying brain function at the highly specific level of drug-receptor interaction, should foster our understanding of normal and pathological brain function.

Anatomical and functional imaging of the auditory cortex in awake mustached bats using magnetic resonance technology

The auditory cortex of mustached bats, Pteronotus parnellii, has been studied extensively using neuroanatomical tract-tracing and electrophysiological techniques to elucidate the functional organization and neural mechanisms important for auditory processing. While these techniques have identified several cortical maps involved in processing auditory information, there has been no direct observation of the dynamics of simultaneous activation of several discrete areas. We applied magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques for visualizing brain structures in awake bats using a 7-Tesla magnet system; we also investigated functional MR imaging by measuring changes in stimulus-correlated blood oxygenation levels to detect cortical areas exhibiting evoked neural activity. High resolution (100 microm) anatomical images were successfully acquired without any motion artifacts. It was possible to reconstruct the whole brain image and analyze brain surface structures with three dimensional (3D) MR imaging data. These data provide detailed morphometric measurements that will allow localization of stimulus specific neural activity patterns using modified functional magnetic-resonance-imaging (fMRI) protocols. Motion artifacts is the primary disadvantage of using awake bats; our study shows that fMRI of a bat's brain is feasible and may prove to be an important advancement for a further understanding of auditory processing in this species.Themes: Sensory systems, Neural basis of behavior.

Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy assessment of brain function in experimental animals and man

This paper introduces the basic principles and techniques of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and spectroscopy (MRS). Examples are given of single event human fMRI studies on control subjects, and a graded activation protocol applied to Parkinsonian patients. Possibilities are discussed for using fMRI techniques to study the neural substrate of various pharmacological agents, including drugs of abuse. The application of these pharmacological MRI (phMRI) studies to animal models and the associated technical issues are also addressed. The use of MRS in studying brain status and function is reviewed, with particular emphasis on 13C isotopic labelling studies.

A patchy horizontal organization of the somatosensory activation of the rat cerebellum demonstrated by functional MRI

Blood oxygenation level dependent contrast (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI) responses, in a 7-T magnet, were observed in the cerebellum of alpha-chloralose anaesthetized rats in response to innocuous electrical stimulation of a forepaw or hindpaw. The responses were imaged in both coronal and sagittal slices which allowed for a clear delineation and localization of the observed activations. We demonstrate the validity of our fMRI protocol by imaging the responses in somatosensory cortex to the same stimuli and by showing reproducibility of the cerebellar responses. Widespread bilateral activations were found with mainly a patchy and mediolateral band organization, more pronounced ipsilaterally. Possible parasagittal bands were observed only in contralateral lobule VI. There was no overlap between the cerebellar activations caused by forepaw and hindpaw stimuli. The overall horizontal organization of these responses was quite remarkable. For both stimulation paradigms most of the activation patches were positioned in either a rostral or caudal broad plane running anteroposteriorly through both anterior and posterior cerebellum. The rostral planes were completely separated, with the forepaw activation closer to the surface, while the caudal plane was common to both stimulation protocols. We relate our findings to the known projection patterns of spinocerebellar and cuneocerebellar mossy fibres, and to human fMRI studies.

Functional imaging of the monkey brain

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become an essential tool for studying human brain function. Here we describe the application of this technique to anesthetized monkeys. We present spatially resolved functional images of the monkey cortex based on blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast. Checkerboard patterns or pictures of primates were used to study stimulus-induced activation of the visual cortex, in a 4.7-Tesla magnetic field, using optimized multi-slice, gradient-recalled, echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequences to image the entire brain. Under our anesthesia protocol, visual stimulation yielded robust, reproducible, focal activation of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), the primary visual area (V1) and a number of extrastriate visual areas, including areas in the superior temporal sulcus. Similar responses were obtained in alert, behaving monkeys performing a discrimination task.

High-resolution mapping of discrete representational areas in rat somatosensory cortex using blood volume-dependent functional MRI

The present study documents the use of an iron oxide-based blood-pool contrast agent in functional magnetic resonance imaging to monitor activity-related changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV) resulting from peripheral sensory stimulation and the application of this technique to generate high-resolution functional maps. Rats, anesthetized with alpha-chloralose, were imaged during electrical stimulation (3 ms, 3 Hz, 3 V) of forelimb or hindlimb. Activation maps were generated by cross-correlation of the measured signal response and a square-wave function representative of the stimulus for each image pixel. Multislice imaging produced functional maps consistent with the known functional anatomy of rat primary somatosensory (S-I) cortex. Imaging with improved temporal resolution demonstrated rapid (<6 s) CBV increases which were sustained and relatively stable (coefficient of variation = 0.17 +/- 0.02) for forelimb stimulation periods of up to 5 min. Enabled by this sustained response we generated high-resolution (approximately 100 micrometer in-plane) functional maps showing discrete forelimb and hindlimb activation. This technique offers many advantages over other methods for the study of brain activity in the rat and has resolution sufficient to be useful in reorganization studies.

In vivo magnetic resonance methods in pharmaceutical research: current status and perspectives

In the last decade, in vivo MR methods have become established tools in the drug discovery and development process. In this review, several successful and potential applications of MRI and MRS in stroke, rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis, oncology and cardiovascular disorders are dealt with in detail. The versatility of the MR approach, allowing the study of various pathophysiological aspects in these disorders, is emphasized. New indication areas, for the characterization of which MR methods have hardly been used up to now, such as respiratory, gastro-intestinal and skin diseases, are outlined in a subsequent section. A strength of MRI, being a non-invasive imaging modality, is the ability to provide functional, i.e. physiological, readouts. Functional MRI examples discussed are the analysis of heart wall motion, perfusion MRI, tracer uptake and clearance studies, and neuronal activation studies. Functional information may also be derived from experiments using target-specific contrast agents, which will become important tools in future MRI applications. Finally the role of MRI and MRS for characterization of transgenic and knock-out animals, which have become a key technology in modern pharmaceutical research, is discussed. The advantages of MRI and MRS are versatility, allowing a comprehensive characterization of a diseased state and of the drug intervention, and non-invasiveness, which is of relevance from a statistical, economical and animal welfare point of view. Successful applications in drug discovery exploit one or several of these aspects. In addition, the link between preclinical and clinical studies makes in vivo MR methods highly attractive methods for pharmaceutical research.

High-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging of the rat brain: mapping changes in cerebral blood volume using iron oxide contrast media

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was used to produce high-resolution activation maps reflecting local changes in cerebral blood volume after a simple sensory stimulus. Activation of the forelimb region of the somatosensory cortex was performed in alpha-chloralose-anaesthetized rats with an electrical stimulus (5 V, 3 Hz) delivered through needle electrodes placed subcutaneously on the left forelimb. A gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging sequence, sensitive to changes in the relative amount of deoxyhemoglobin within the cerebral vasculature, produced a 4.05%+/-1.69% increase in signal intensity. This effect was enhanced with an injection of an intravascular iron oxide contrast agent (Combidex, Advanced Magnetics), resulting in a 9.11%+/-1.52% decrease in signal intensity.

Functional MRI of the rat somatosensory cortex: effects of hyperventilation

Functional mapping of the rat somatosensory cortex was performed with T2*-sensitized MRI using a forepaw electrical stimulation model in alpha-chloralose-anesthetized rats at 7 T under both normocapnia and mild hyperventilation-induced hypocapnia. A highly localized activation area, consistent with the known somatosensory cortical region, was detected in all seven animals studied during hypocapnia and in five of the same animals during normocapnia. Quantitatively, hypocapnia was found to significantly increase both the size of the fMRI activation area (3.4 +/- 0.6 mm2 versus 1.5 +/- 0.6 mm2 in normocapnia, mean +/- standard error, n = 7, P < 0.03) and the average fMRI signal intensity increase (3.4 +/- 0.6% versus 2.7 +/- 0.4%, n = 5, P < 0.05). The increased sensitivity of fMRI to functional activation may reflect a widened arterial-venous oxygenation difference resulting from an increased effective oxygen extraction during hyperventilation. The dependence of the fMRI response on the ventilation state underscores the need to control for physiological parameters in animal fMRI studies.

On the characteristics of functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain

In this review we discuss various recent topics that characterize functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). These topics include a brief description of MRI image acquisition, how to cope with noise or signal fluctuation, the basis of fMRI signal changes, and the relation of MRI signal to neuronal events. Several observations of fMRI that show good correlation to the neurofunction are referred to. Temporal characteristics of fMRI signals and examples of how the feature of real time measurement is utilized are then described. The question of spatial resolution of fMRI, which must be dictated by the vascular structure serving the functional system, is discussed based on various fMRI observations. Finally, the advantage of fMRI mapping is shown in a few examples. Reviewing the vast number of recent fMRI application that have now been reported is beyond the scope of this article.

Dynamic mapping at the laminar level of odor-elicited responses in rat olfactory bulb by functional MRI

We have applied functional MRI (fMRI) based on blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) image-contrast to map odor-elicited olfactory responses at the laminar level in the rat olfactory bulb (OB) elicited by iso-amyl acetate (10(-2) dilution of saturated vapor) with spatial and temporal resolutions of 220x220x1,000 micro(m) and 36 s. The laminar structure of the OB was clearly depicted by high-resolution in vivo anatomical MRI with spatial resolution of 110x110x1,000 micro(m). In repeated BOLD fMRI measurements, highly significant (P < 0.001) foci were located in the outer layers of both OBs. The occurrence of focal OB activity within a domain at the level of individual glomeruli or groups of glomeruli was corroborated on an intra- and inter-animal basis under anesthetized conditions with this noninvasive method. The dynamic studies demonstrated that the odor-elicited BOLD activations were highly reproducible on a time scale of minutes, whereas over tens of minutes the activations sometimes varied slowly. We found large BOLD signal (DeltaS/S = 10-30%) arising from the olfactory nerve layer, which is devoid of synapses and composed of unmyelinated fibers and glial cells. Our results support previous studies with other methods showing that odors elicit activity within glomerular layer domains in the mammalian OB, and extend the analysis to shorter time periods at the level of individual glomeruli or groups of glomeruli. With further improvement, BOLD fMRI should be ideal for systematic analysis of the functional significance of individual glomeruli in olfactory information encoding and of spatiotemporal processing within the olfactory system.

Signal averaged laser Doppler measurements of activation-flow coupling in the rat forepaw somatosensory cortex

Regional alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) are widely used as a surrogate for neuronal function based on an intact coupling between changes in regional CBF and metabolism, activation-flow coupling (AFC). To further investigate parameters affecting AFC, we have implemented a rat model with electrical forepaw stimulation under alpha-chloralose anesthesia using laser Doppler (LD) measurements of flow parameters through thinned skull over contralateral somatosensory cortex. Signal averaging of the LD response was used to improve reproducibility. A characteristic flow response to electrical forepaw stimulation was reliably recorded from the somatosensory cortex using signal averaging. Stimulation at 5 Hz maximized the LD response, and constant current stimulation up to 1 mA did not induce changes in systemic blood pressure. The shape of the flow response consisted of an initial peak followed by a steady state plateau phase which was observed for stimulation durations longer than 4 s. When individual LD parameters of velocity, red blood cell concentration (CRBC), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were compared, changes in LDCBF were primarily attributable to changes in LDvelocity rather than LDCRBC. This finding was also observed during hypercapnia. Characterization of AFC in the model provides a background for future studies of the effects of pharmacological manipulation or pathophysiological states.

Brainmapping of alpha-chloralose anesthetized rats with T2*-weighted imaging: distinction between the representation of the forepaw and hindpaw in the somatosensory cortex

T2*-weighted imaging at 4.7 T was used to identify the cortical areas activated by electrical stimulation of the forepaw and hindpaw of alpha-chloralose anesthetized rats. Variation of the coronal slice position relative to the bregma, showed that the forepaw representation in the somatosensory cortex is more frontal and lateral than that of the hindpaw. Overlap between both activation areas was observed only in a small region in the slice at the level of the bregma. Documented localizations of both representations are in good agreement with earlier observations using invasive techniques. The determination of the separate areas of both paws indicates the feasibility of more complex activation studies in anesthetized animals, such as combined stimulations for the investigation of potentiation or depression effects on individual stimuli.

Functional MRI BOLD signal coincides with electrical activity in the rat whisker barrels

Functional MRI (fMRI) provides a noninvasive method for mapping brain functional activity based on blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) image contrast that is primarily due to localized increases in perfusion. Recently, Malonek and Grinvald (Science 272:551-554, 1996) suggested that during sustained functional activation, the increases in perfusion were spread over a much larger area than the localized electrical activity. In this study, it is demonstrated that the spatial distribution of the BOLD fMRI signal during sustained stimulation of rat whiskers has the same spatial pattern and dimension as that of neuronal electrical activity in the rat whisker barrels.

Oxidative glucose metabolism in rat brain during single forepaw stimulation: a spatially localized 1H[13C] nuclear magnetic resonance study

In the alpha-chloralose-anesthetized rat during single forepaw stimulation, a spatially localized 1H[13C] nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic method was used to measure the rate of cerebral [C4]-glutamate isotopic turnover from infused [1,6-(13)C]glucose. The glutamate turnover data were analyzed using a mathematical model of cerebral glucose metabolism to evaluate the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux (V(TCA)). During stimulation the value of V(TCA) in the sensorimotor region increased from 0.47 +/- 0.06 (at rest) to 1.44 +/- 0.41 micromol x g(-1) x min(-1) (P < 0.01) in the contralateral hemispheric compartment (24 mm3) and to 0.65 +/- 0.10 micromol x g(-1) x min(-1) (P < 0.03) in the ipsilateral side. Each V(TCA) value was converted to the cerebral metabolic rates of glucose oxidation (oxidative-CMR(glc)) and oxygen consumption (CMR(O2)). These rates were corrected for partial-volume based on activation maps obtained by blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The percent increase and the absolute value of oxidative-CMR(glc) in the activated regions are similar to values reported previously for total-CMR(glc) using the same activation paradigm. This indicates that the large majority of energy required for brain activation, in going from the resting to an activated state, is supplied by glucose oxidation. The level of activity during stimulation is relevant to awake animals because the oxidative-CMR(glc) (1.05 +/- 0.28 micromol x g(-1) x min(-1); current study) is in the range of total-CMR(glc) previously reported for awake rats undergoing physiologic activation (0.7-1.4 micromol x g(-1) x min(-1)). It is concluded that oxidative glycolysis is the main source of energy for increased brain activity and a positive BOLD fMRI signal-change occurs in conjunction with a large increase in CMR(O2).

Mechanisms of visual object recognition: monkey and human studies

The feature-based representations of object images in the inferotemporal cortex of macaque monkeys have been further characterized by optical imaging experiments. Recently, the close correlation between the activity of inferotemporal cells and the perception of object images has been revealed by single-unit recordings from behaving monkeys. The human homologue of the monkey inferotemporal cortex has been identified through use of new non-invasive techniques.

FMRI of the prefrontal cortex during overt verbal fluency

Verbal fluency is known to be associated with activity in the left prefrontal cortex. Recent positron emission tomography (PET) results confirmed this finding. In the present study, high resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to further localize activity in the prefrontal cortex related to verbal fluency. Activation was observed in three behavioral tasks: (1) Repeat-subjects repeated words, (2) Opposite-subjects produced the antonym of words, and (3) Generate-subjects generated words beginning with a given letter. When comparing Generate with both Repeat and Opposite, we observed small areas of activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate, similar to the centers of mass reported using PET. We also found additional activation around the superior frontal sulcus.