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Tiefenbach J, Shannon L, Lobosky M, Johnson S, Chan HH, Byram N, Machado AG, Androjna C, Baker KB. A novel restrainer device for acquistion of brain images in awake rats. Neuroimage 2024; 289:120556. [PMID: 38423263 PMCID: PMC10935597 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional neuroimaging methods like fMRI and PET are vital in neuroscience research, but require that subjects remain still throughout the scan. In animal research, anesthetic agents are typically applied to facilitate the acquisition of high-quality data with minimal motion artifact. However, anesthesia can have profound effects on brain metabolism, selectively altering dynamic neural networks and confounding the acquired data. To overcome the challenge, we have developed a novel head fixation device designed to support awake rat brain imaging. A validation experiment demonstrated that the device effectively minimizes animal motion throughout the scan, with mean absolute displacement and mean relative displacement of 0.0256 (SD: 0.001) and 0.009 (SD: 0.002), across eight evaluated subjects throughout fMRI image acquisition (total scanning time per subject: 31 min, 12 s). Furthermore, the awake scans did not induce discernable stress to the animals, with stable physiological parameters throughout the scan (Mean HR: 344, Mean RR: 56, Mean SpO2: 94 %) and unaltered serum corticosterone levels (p = 0.159). In conclusion, the device presented in this paper offers an effective and safe method of acquiring functional brain images in rats, allowing researchers to minimize the confounding effects of anesthetic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakov Tiefenbach
- Department of Neuroscience, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH 44195, USA.
| | - Logan Shannon
- Engineering Core, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH 44195, USA
| | - Mark Lobosky
- Small Animal Imaging Core, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH 44195, USA
| | - Sadie Johnson
- Engineering Core, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH 44195, USA
| | - Hugh H Chan
- Department of Neuroscience, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH 44195, USA
| | - Nicole Byram
- Cleveland Clinic Innovations, Cleveland Clinic, OH 44195, USA
| | - Andre G Machado
- Department of Neuroscience, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH 44195, USA
| | - Charlie Androjna
- Engineering Core, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kenneth B Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH 44195, USA
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2
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Kirby AK, Pancholi S, Suresh S, Anderson Z, Chesler C, Everett Iv TH, Duerstock BS. Acclimation Protocol to Minimize Stress in Immobilized Rats During Non-Invasive Multimodal Sensing of the Autonomic Nervous System. Mil Med 2023; 188:474-479. [PMID: 37948271 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rodent models are often used in spinal cord injury investigations to measure physiological parameters but require rats to be restrained during data collection to prevent motion and stress-induced artifacts. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 4-week acclimation protocol was developed to reduce sympathetic activity during experimentation to collect clean data. Physiological parameters were analyzed throughout the acclimation protocol using surface-based electrodes and an implanted sensor. The sensor was used to extract systolic blood pressure, skin nerve activity, and heart rate variability parameters. RESULTS Our protocol exposed a minimal increase in sympathetic activity during experimentation despite long periods of restraint. The data suggest that the acclimation protocol presented successfully minimized changes in physiological parameters because of prolonged restraint. CONCLUSIONS This is necessary to ensure that physiological recordings are not affected by undue stress because of the process of wearing the sensor. This is important when determining the effects of stress when studying dysautonomia after spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Karina Kirby
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University Flex Lab, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Sidharth Pancholi
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University Flex Lab, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Shruthi Suresh
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University Flex Lab, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Zada Anderson
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University Flex Lab, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Caroline Chesler
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University Flex Lab, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Thomas H Everett Iv
- Krannert Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Bradley S Duerstock
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University Flex Lab, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
- School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University Flex Lab, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
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3
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Markov DD, Novosadova EV. Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model of Depression: Possible Sources of Poor Reproducibility and Latent Variables. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1621. [PMID: 36358321 PMCID: PMC9687170 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mood disorders worldwide. A lack of understanding of the exact neurobiological mechanisms of depression complicates the search for new effective drugs. Animal models are an important tool in the search for new approaches to the treatment of this disorder. All animal models of depression have certain advantages and disadvantages. We often hear that the main drawback of the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression is its poor reproducibility, but rarely does anyone try to find the real causes and sources of such poor reproducibility. Analyzing the articles available in the PubMed database, we tried to identify the factors that may be the sources of the poor reproducibility of CUMS. Among such factors, there may be chronic sleep deprivation, painful stressors, social stress, the difference in sex and age of animals, different stress susceptibility of different animal strains, handling quality, habituation to stressful factors, various combinations of physical and psychological stressors in the CUMS protocol, the influence of olfactory and auditory stimuli on animals, as well as the possible influence of various other factors that are rarely taken into account by researchers. We assume that careful inspection of these factors will increase the reproducibility of the CUMS model between laboratories and allow to make the interpretation of the obtained results and their comparison between laboratories to be more adequate.
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Zeng H, Jiang Y, Beer-Hammer S, Yu X. Awake Mouse fMRI and Pupillary Recordings in the Ultra-High Magnetic Field. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:886709. [PMID: 35903811 PMCID: PMC9318598 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.886709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Awake rodent fMRI is becoming a promising non-invasive brain imaging module when investigating large-scale brain function given behavioral tasks. Previous studies have either applied sedatives during scanning or pre-treatment of anesthetics, e.g., isoflurane, to reduce the motion of animals, which could confound the brain function of "awake" states in rodents. Here, we have established a long training awake mouse fMRI-pupillometry paradigm/setup without the initial use of anesthesia. To validate the awake mouse fMRI platform, evoked BOLD-fMRI was performed to identify brain activation in the visual cortex, dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei, and superior colliculus. Furthermore, pupil signal fluctuation was investigated during scanning, showing a less dilated pupil after 5-8 weeks of intermittent training. Thus, using the awake mouse fMRI with real-time pupillometry provides a longitudinal functional mapping tool to study fully conscious mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zeng
- High-Field Magnetic Resonance Department, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tuebingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, International Max Planck Research School, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Sandra Beer-Hammer
- Department of Pharmacology, Experimental Therapy, and Toxicology, Interfaculty Center of Pharmacogenomics and Drug Research (ICePhA), University of Tüebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Xin Yu
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
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Russo G, Helluy X, Behroozi M, Manahan-Vaughan D. Gradual Restraint Habituation for Awake Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Combined With a Sparse Imaging Paradigm Reduces Motion Artifacts and Stress Levels in Rodents. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:805679. [PMID: 34992520 PMCID: PMC8724036 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.805679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging, as a non-invasive technique, offers unique opportunities to assess brain function and connectivity under a broad range of applications, ranging from passive sensory stimulation to high-level cognitive abilities, in awake animals. This approach is confounded, however, by the fact that physical restraint and loud unpredictable acoustic noise must inevitably accompany fMRI recordings. These factors induce marked stress in rodents, and stress-related elevations of corticosterone levels are known to alter information processing and cognition in the rodent. Here, we propose a habituation strategy that spans specific stages of adaptation to restraint, MRI noise, and confinement stress in awake rats and circumvents the need for surgical head restraint. This habituation protocol results in stress levels during awake fMRI that do not differ from pre-handling levels and enables stable image acquisition with very low motion artifacts. For this, rats were gradually trained over a period of three weeks and eighteen training sessions. Stress levels were assessed by analysis of fecal corticosterone metabolite levels and breathing rates. We observed significant drops in stress levels to below pre-handling levels at the end of the habituation procedure. During fMRI in awake rats, after the conclusion of habituation and using a non-invasive head-fixation device, breathing was stable and head motion artifacts were minimal. A task-based fMRI experiment, using acoustic stimulation, conducted 2 days after the end of habituation, resulted in precise whole brain mapping of BOLD signals in the brain, with clear delineation of the expected auditory-related structures. The active discrimination by the animals of the acoustic stimuli from the backdrop of scanner noise was corroborated by significant increases in BOLD signals in the thalamus and reticular formation. Taken together, these data show that effective habituation to awake fMRI can be achieved by gradual and incremental acclimatization to the experimental conditions. Subsequent BOLD recordings, even during superimposed acoustic stimulation, reflect low stress-levels, low motion and a corresponding high-quality image acquisition. Furthermore, BOLD signals obtained during fMRI indicate that effective habituation facilitates selective attention to sensory stimuli that can in turn support the discrimination of cognitive processes in the absence of stress confounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Russo
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Xavier Helluy
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mehdi Behroozi
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Contribution of animal models toward understanding resting state functional connectivity. Neuroimage 2021; 245:118630. [PMID: 34644593 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional connectivity, which reflects the spatial and temporal organization of intrinsic activity throughout the brain, is one of the most studied measures in human neuroimaging research. The noninvasive acquisition of resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) allows the characterization of features designated as functional networks, functional connectivity gradients, and time-varying activity patterns that provide insight into the intrinsic functional organization of the brain and potential alterations related to brain dysfunction. Functional connectivity, hence, captures dimensions of the brain's activity that have enormous potential for both clinical and preclinical research. However, the mechanisms underlying functional connectivity have yet to be fully characterized, hindering interpretation of rs-fMRI studies. As in other branches of neuroscience, the identification of the neurophysiological processes that contribute to functional connectivity largely depends on research conducted on laboratory animals, which provide a platform where specific, multi-dimensional investigations that involve invasive measurements can be carried out. These highly controlled experiments facilitate the interpretation of the temporal correlations observed across the brain. Indeed, information obtained from animal experimentation to date is the basis for our current understanding of the underlying basis for functional brain connectivity. This review presents a compendium of some of the most critical advances in the field based on the efforts made by the animal neuroimaging community.
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7
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Rodriguez CI, Vergara VM, Davies S, Calhoun VD, Savage DD, Hamilton DA. Detection of prenatal alcohol exposure using machine learning classification of resting-state functional network connectivity data. Alcohol 2021; 93:25-34. [PMID: 33716098 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a wide range of physical and neurobehavioral abnormalities associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), is recognized as a significant public health concern. Advancements in the diagnosis of FASD have been hindered by a lack of consensus in diagnostic criteria and limited use of objective biomarkers. Previous research from our group utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure functional network connectivity (FNC), which revealed several sex- and region-dependent alterations in FNC as a result of moderate PAE relative to controls. Considering that FNC is sensitive to moderate PAE, this study explored the use of FNC data and machine learning methods to detect PAE among a sample of rodents exposed to alcohol prenatally and controls. We utilized previously acquired resting state fMRI data collected from adult rats exposed to moderate levels of prenatal alcohol (PAE) or a saccharin control solution (SAC) to assess FNC of resting state networks extracted by spatial group independent component analysis (GICA). FNC data were subjected to binary classification using support vector machine (SVM) -based algorithms and leave-one-out-cross validation (LOOCV) in an aggregated sample of males and females (n = 48; 12 male PAE, 12 female PAE, 12 male SAC, 12 female SAC), a males-only sample (n = 24; 12 PAE, 12 SAC), and a females-only sample (n = 24; 12 PAE, 12 SAC). Results revealed that a quadratic SVM (QSVM) kernel was significantly effective for PAE detection in females. QSVM kernel-based classification resulted in accuracy rates of 62.5% for all animals, 58.3% for males, and 79.2% for females. Additionally, qualitative evaluation of QSVM weights implicates an overarching theme of several hippocampal and cortical networks in contributing to the formation of correct classification decisions by QSVM. Our results suggest that binary classification using QSVM and adult female FNC data is a potential candidate for the translational development of novel and non-invasive techniques for the identification of FASD.
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8
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Bertolino N, Procissi D, Disterhoft JF, Weiss C. Detection of memory- and learning-related brain connectivity changes following trace eyeblink-conditioning using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in the awake rabbit. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:1597-1606. [PMID: 32975314 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Animal imaging studies have the potential to further establish resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) and enable its validation for clinical use. The rabbit subjects used in this work are an ideal model system for studying learning and behavior and are also an excellent established test subject for awake scanning given their natural tolerance for restraint. We found that analysis of rs-fMRI conducted on a cohort of rabbits undergoing eyeblink conditioning can reveal functional brain connectivity changes associated with learning, and that rs-fMRI can be used to capture differences between subjects with different levels of cognitive performance. rs-fMRI sessions were conducted on a cohort of rabbits before and after trace eyeblink conditioning. MRI results were analyzed using independent component analysis (ICA) and network analysis. Behavioral data were collected with standard methods using an infrared reflective sensor aimed at the cornea to detect blinks. Behavioral results were analyzed, and a median split was used to create two groups of rabbits based on their performance. The cohort of rabbits undergoing eyeblink conditioning exhibited increased functional connectivity in the cingulate cortex, retrosplenial cortex, and thalamus consistent with brain reorganization associated with increased learning. Differences in the striatum and right cerebellum were also identified between rabbits in the top or bottom halves of the group as measured by the behavioral assay. Thus, rs-fMRI can provide not only a tool to detect and monitor functional brain changes associated with learning, but also to discriminate between different levels of cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Bertolino
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniele Procissi
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - John F Disterhoft
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Craig Weiss
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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9
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Chen X, Tong C, Han Z, Zhang K, Bo B, Feng Y, Liang Z. Sensory evoked fMRI paradigms in awake mice. Neuroimage 2020; 204:116242. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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10
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Argibay B, Campos F, Perez-Mato M, Vieites-Prado A, Correa-Paz C, López-Arias E, Da Silva-Candal A, Moreno V, Montero C, Sobrino T, Castillo J, Iglesias-Rey R. Light-Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation After Cerebral Ischemia. Front Neurol 2019; 10:911. [PMID: 31507516 PMCID: PMC6713875 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for several pathologies, including stroke. The biological effects of PBM for the treatment of cerebral ischemia have previously been explored as a neuroprotective strategy using different light sources, wavelengths, and incident light powers. However, the capability of PBM as a novel alternative therapy to stimulate the recovery of the injured neuronal tissue after ischemic stroke has been poorly explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the low-level light irradiation therapy by using Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) as potential therapeutic strategy for stroke. The LED photobiomodulation (continuous wave, 830 nm, 0.2–0.6 J/cm2) was firstly evaluated at different energy densities in C17.2 immortalized mouse neural progenitor cell lines, in order to observe if this treatment had any effect on cells, in terms of proliferation and viability. Then, the PBM-LED effect (continuous wave, 830 nm, 0.28 J/cm2 at brain cortex) on long-term recovery (12 weeks) was analyzed in ischemic animal model by means lesion reduction, behavioral deficits, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Analysis of cellular proliferation after PBM was significantly increased (1 mW) in all different exposure times used; however, this effect could not be replicated in vivo experimental conditions, as PBM did not show an infarct reduction or functional recovery. Despite the promising therapeutic effect described for PBM, further preclinical studies are necessary to optimize the therapeutic window of this novel therapy, in terms of the mechanism associated to neurorecovery and to reduce the risk of failure in futures clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Argibay
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Francisco Campos
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María Perez-Mato
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alba Vieites-Prado
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Clara Correa-Paz
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Esteban López-Arias
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Andrés Da Silva-Candal
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Vicente Moreno
- Optics Area, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Physics, Universitdade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universitdade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carlos Montero
- Optics Area, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Physics, Universitdade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universitdade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Tomás Sobrino
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Castillo
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ramón Iglesias-Rey
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Han Z, Chen W, Chen X, Zhang K, Tong C, Zhang X, Li CT, Liang Z. Awake and behaving mouse fMRI during Go/No-Go task. Neuroimage 2019; 188:733-742. [PMID: 30611875 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) has been widely used to examine the functional neural networks in both the evoked and resting states. However, most fMRI studies in rodents are performed under anesthesia, which greatly limits the scope of their application, and behavioral relevance. Efforts have been made to image rodents in the awake condition, either in the resting state or in response to sensory or optogenetic stimulation. However, fMRI in awake behaving rodents has not yet been achieved. In the current study, a novel fMRI paradigm for awake and behaving mice was developed, allowing functional imaging of the mouse brain in an olfaction-based go/no-go task. High resolution functional imaging with limited motion and image distortion were achieved at 9.4T with a cryogenic coil in awake and behaving mice. Distributed whole-brain spatiotemporal patterns were revealed, with drastically different activity profiles for go versus no-go trials. Therefore, we have demonstrated the feasibility of functional imaging of an olfactory behavior in awake mice. This fMRI paradigm in awake behaving mice could lead to novel insights into neural mechanisms underlying behaviors at a whole-brain level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Han
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Sciences and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Sciences and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xifan Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Sciences and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaiwei Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Sciences and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanjun Tong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxing Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Sciences and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengyu T Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Sciences and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhifeng Liang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Sciences and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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12
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22 kHz and 55 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations differentially influence neural and behavioral outcomes: Implications for modeling anxiety via auditory stimuli in the rat. Behav Brain Res 2018; 360:134-145. [PMID: 30521931 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The communicative role of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in rats is well established, with distinct USVs indicative of different affective states. USVs in the 22 kHz range are typically emitted by adult rats when in anxiety- or fear-provoking situations (e.g. predator odor, social defeat), while 55 kHz range USVs are typically emitted in appetitive situations (e.g., play, anticipation of reward). Previous work indicates that USVs (real-time and playback) can effectively communicate these affective states and influence changes in behavior and neural activity of the receiver. Changes in cFos activation following 22 kHz USVs have been seen in cortical and limbic regions involved in anxiety, including the basolateral amygdala (BLA). However, it is unclear how USV playback influences cFos activity within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a region also thought to be critical in processing anxiety-related information, and the nucleus accumbens, a region associated with reward. The present work sought to characterize distinct behavioral, physiological, and neural responses in rats presented with aversive (22 kHz) compared to appetitive (55 kHz) USVs or silence. Our findings show that rats exposed to 22 kHz USVs: 1) engage in anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated zero maze, and 2) show distinct patterns of cFos activation within the BLA and BNST that contrast those seen in 55 kHz playback and silence. Specifically, 22 kHz USVs increased cFos density in the anterodorsal nuclei, while 55 kHz playback increased cFos in the oval nucleus of the BNST, without significant changes within the nucleus accumbens. These results provide important groundwork for leveraging ethologically-relevant stimuli in the rat to improve our understanding of anxiety-related responses in both typical and pathological populations.
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13
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Stenroos P, Paasonen J, Salo RA, Jokivarsi K, Shatillo A, Tanila H, Gröhn O. Awake Rat Brain Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Standard Radio Frequency Coils and a 3D Printed Restraint Kit. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:548. [PMID: 30177870 PMCID: PMC6109636 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a powerful noninvasive tool for studying spontaneous resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) in laboratory animals. Brain function can be significantly affected by generally used anesthetics, however, rendering the need for awake imaging. Only a few different awake animal habituation protocols have been presented, and there is a critical need for practical and improved low-stress techniques. Here we demonstrate a novel restraint approach for awake rat RSFC studies. Our custom-made 3D printed restraint kit is compatible with a standard Bruker Biospin MRI rat bed, rat brain receiver coil, and volume transmitter coil. We also implemented a progressive habituation protocol aiming to minimize the stress experienced by the rats, and compared RSFC between awake, lightly sedated, and isoflurane-anesthetized rats. Our results demonstrated that the 3D printed restraint kit was suitable for RSFC studies of awake rats. During the short 4-day habituation period, the plasma corticosterone concentration, movement, and heart rate, which were measured as stress indicators, decreased significantly, indicating adaptation to the restraint protocol. Additionally, 10 days after the awake MRI session, rats exhibited no signs of depression or anxiety based on open-field and sucrose preference behavioral tests. The RSFC data revealed significant changes in the thalamo-cortical and cortico-cortical networks between the awake, lightly sedated, and anesthetized groups, emphasizing the need for awake imaging. The present work demonstrates the feasibility of our custom-made 3D printed restraint kit. Using this kit, we found that isoflurane markedly affected brain connectivity compared with that in awake rats, and that the effect was less pronounced, but still significant, when light isoflurane sedation was used instead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petteri Stenroos
- Kuopio Biomedical Imaging Unit, A.I.V. Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jaakko Paasonen
- Kuopio Biomedical Imaging Unit, A.I.V. Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Raimo A Salo
- Kuopio Biomedical Imaging Unit, A.I.V. Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kimmo Jokivarsi
- Kuopio Biomedical Imaging Unit, A.I.V. Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Artem Shatillo
- Charles River Discovery Research Services Finland Oy, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heikki Tanila
- Kuopio Biomedical Imaging Unit, A.I.V. Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Olli Gröhn
- Kuopio Biomedical Imaging Unit, A.I.V. Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Weiner B, Hertz S, Perets N, London M. Social Ultrasonic Vocalization in Awake Head-Restrained Mouse. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:236. [PMID: 28066202 PMCID: PMC5165246 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous animal species emit vocalizations in response to various social stimuli. The neural basis of vocal communication has been investigated in monkeys, songbirds, rats, bats, and invertebrates resulting in deep insights into motor control, neural coding, and learning. Mice, which recently became very popular as a model system for mammalian neuroscience, also utilize ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during mating behavior. However, our knowledge is lacking of both the behavior and its underlying neural mechanism. We developed a novel method for head-restrained male mice (HRMM) to interact with non-restrained female mice (NRFM) and show that mice can emit USVs in this context. We first recorded USVs in a free arena with non-restrained male mice (NRMM) and NRFM. Of the NRMM, which vocalized in the free arena, the majority could be habituated to also vocalize while head-restrained but only when a female mouse was present in proximity. The USVs emitted by HRMM are similar to the USVs of NRMM in the presence of a female mouse in their spectral structure, inter-syllable interval distribution, and USV sequence length, and therefore are interpreted as social USVs. By analyzing the vocalizations of NRMM, we established criteria to predict which individuals are likely to vocalize while head fixed based on the USV rate and average syllable duration. To characterize the USVs emitted by HRMM, we analyzed the syllable composition of HRMM and NRMM and found that USVs emitted by HRMM have a higher proportion of USVs with complex spectral representation, supporting previous studies showing that mice social USVs are context dependent. Our results suggest a way to study the neural mechanisms of production and control of social vocalization in mice using advanced methods requiring head fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Weiner
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences and Life Science Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Stav Hertz
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences and Life Science Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nisim Perets
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences and Life Science Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael London
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences and Life Science Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel
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15
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Yoshida K, Mimura Y, Ishihara R, Nishida H, Komaki Y, Minakuchi T, Tsurugizawa T, Mimura M, Okano H, Tanaka KF, Takata N. Physiological effects of a habituation procedure for functional MRI in awake mice using a cryogenic radiofrequency probe. J Neurosci Methods 2016; 274:38-48. [PMID: 27702586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in mice is typically performed under anesthesia due to difficulties in holding the head of awake mice stably with a conventional three-point fixation method that uses a tooth-bar and earplugs. Although some studies have succeeded in fMRI in awake mice by attaching a head-post on the skull, this cannot be applied to fMRI using a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) cryogenic MRI-detector, CryoProbe, because it covers the head of a mouse closely. NEW METHOD We developed head-fixation implements for awake mice that are applicable to fMRI using CryoProbe. RESULTS A head-bar was surgically attached to the skull of a mouse that was then habituated to a mock fMRI-environment, two hours/day for eight days with physiological examinations of body-weight, fecal weight, electromyogram (EMG), and electrocardiogram. EMG power decreased with just one day of habituation, whereas heart rate decreased after at least seven days of habituation. Estimated head motions of awake mice during fMRI were significantly smaller than a voxel size. Unexpectedly, temporal SNR of fMRI signals for awake mice was higher than that for anesthetized mice held by a conventional method. Functional connectivity in the brain of both anesthetized and awake mice showed bilateral and unilateral networks. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S): fMRI using CryoProbe had been performed on anesthetized mice previously. Our method does not use anesthetics during habituation or fMRI. CONCLUSION Our method would be beneficial for translational research using fMRI in mice and humans because human fMRI is typically performed without anesthetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keitaro Yoshida
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yu Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Ishihara
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishida
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuji Komaki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
| | - Tomohito Minakuchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Tsurugizawa
- NeuroSpin, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Masaru Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kenji F Tanaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Norio Takata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan.
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16
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Low LA, Bauer LC, Pitcher MH, Bushnell MC. Restraint training for awake functional brain scanning of rodents can cause long-lasting changes in pain and stress responses. Pain 2016; 157:1761-1772. [PMID: 27058679 PMCID: PMC4949008 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
With the increased interest in longitudinal brain imaging of awake rodents, it is important to understand both the short-term and long-term effects of restraint on sensory and emotional processing in the brain. To understand the effects of repeated restraint on pain behaviors and stress responses, we modeled a restraint protocol similar to those used to habituate rodents for magnetic resonance imaging scanning, and studied sensory sensitivity and stress hormone responses over 5 days. To uncover lasting effects of training, we also looked at responses to the formalin pain test 2 weeks later. We found that while restraint causes acute increases in the stress hormone corticosterone, it can also cause lasting reductions in nociceptive behavior in the formalin test, coupled with heightened corticosterone levels and increased activation of the "nociceptive" central nucleus of the amygdala, as seen by Fos protein expression. These results suggest that short-term repeated restraint, similar to that used to habituate rats for awake functional brain scanning, could potentially cause long-lasting changes in physiological and brain responses to pain stimuli that are stress-related, and therefore could potentially confound the functional activation patterns seen in awake rodents in response to pain stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie A. Low
- Laboratory of Pain and Integrative Neuroscience, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lucy C. Bauer
- Laboratory of Pain and Integrative Neuroscience, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark H. Pitcher
- Laboratory of Pain and Integrative Neuroscience, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M. Catherine Bushnell
- Laboratory of Pain and Integrative Neuroscience, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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17
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Chang PC, Procissi D, Bao Q, Centeno MV, Baria A, Apkarian AV. Novel method for functional brain imaging in awake minimally restrained rats. J Neurophysiol 2016; 116:61-80. [PMID: 27052584 DOI: 10.1152/jn.01078.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in rodents holds great promise for advancing our knowledge about human brain function. However, the use of anesthetics to immobilize rodents during fMRI experiments has restricted the type of questions that can be addressed using this technique. Here we describe an innovative procedure to train rats to be constrained without the need of any anesthesia during the whole procedure. We show that with 8-10 days of acclimation rats can be conscious and remain still during fMRI experiments under minimal stress. In addition, we provide fMRI results of conscious rodents in a variety of commonly used fMRI experimental paradigms, and we demonstrate the improved quality of these scans by comparing results when the same rodents were scanned under anesthesia. We confirm that the awake scanning procedure permits an improved evaluation of brain networks and brain response to external stimuli with minimal movement artifact. The present study further advances the field of fMRI in awake rodents, which provide more direct, forward and reverse, translational opportunities regarding brain functional correspondences between human and rodent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Ching Chang
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Daniel Procissi
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; and
| | - Qiyuan Bao
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Maria Virginia Centeno
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alex Baria
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - A Vania Apkarian
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois;
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18
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Haensel JX, Spain A, Martin C. A systematic review of physiological methods in rodent pharmacological MRI studies. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:489-99. [PMID: 25585682 PMCID: PMC4302233 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3855-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) provides an approach to study effects of drug challenges on brain processes. Elucidating mechanisms of drug action helps us to better understand the workings of neurotransmitter systems, map brain function or facilitate drug development. phMRI is increasingly used in preclinical research employing rodent models; however, data interpretation and integration are complicated by the use of different experimental approaches between laboratories. In particular, the effects of different anaesthetic regimes upon neuronal and haemodynamic processes and baseline physiology could be problematic. OBJECTIVES This paper investigates how differences in phMRI research methodologies are manifested and considers associated implications, placing particular emphasis on choice of anaesthetic regimes. METHODS A systematic review of rodent phMRI studies was conducted. Factors such as those describing anaesthetic regimes (e.g. agent, dosage) and parameters relating to physiological maintenance (e.g. ventilatory gases) and MRI method were recorded. RESULTS We identified 126 eligible studies and found that the volatile agents isoflurane (43.7 %) and halothane (33.3 %) were most commonly used for anaesthesia, but dosage and mixture of ventilatory gases varied substantially between laboratories. Relevant physiological parameters were usually recorded, although 32 % of studies did not provide cardiovascular measures. CONCLUSIONS Anaesthesia and animal preparation can influence phMRI data profoundly. The variation of anaesthetic type, dosage regime and ventilatory gases makes consolidation of research findings (e.g. within a specific neurotransmitter system) difficult. Standardisation of a small(er) number of preclinical phMRI research methodologies and/or increased consideration of approaches that do not require anaesthesia is necessary to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer X. Haensel
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP UK
| | - Aisling Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP UK
| | - Chris Martin
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP UK
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19
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Febo M, Ferris CF. Oxytocin and vasopressin modulation of the neural correlates of motivation and emotion: results from functional MRI studies in awake rats. Brain Res 2014; 1580:8-21. [PMID: 24486356 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin modulate a range of species typical behavioral functions that include social recognition, maternal-infant attachment, and modulation of memory, offensive aggression, defensive fear reactions, and reward seeking. We have employed novel functional magnetic resonance mapping techniques in awake rats to explore the roles of these neuropeptides in the maternal and non-maternal brain. Results from the functional neuroimaging studies that are summarized here have directly and indirectly confirmed and supported previous findings. Oxytocin is released within the lactating rat brain during suckling stimulation and activates specific subcortical networks in the maternal brain. Both vasopressin and oxytocin modulate brain regions involved unconditioned fear, processing of social stimuli and the expression of agonistic behaviors. Across studies there are relatively consistent brain networks associated with internal motivational drives and emotional states that are modulated by oxytocin and vasopressin. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Oxytocin and Social Behav.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Craig F Ferris
- Center for Translational Neuroimaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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