In Vivo High Resolution slow-MAS MR Spectroscopy in Mice
EMSL Project ID
10899
Abstract
The overall goal of this proposal, that is supported by NIH/NIB, is to develop and evaluate a methodology to increase the resolution of magnetic resonance (MR) metabolite spectra in live mice. Although in vivo MR spectroscopy is increasingly used for biochemical and medical studies, the spectra often suffer from poor resolution, which diminishes seriously their utility. In previous work we have shown that it is possible to increase the spectral resolution significantly by applying the so-called phase-corrected magic angle turning (PHORMAT) technique, where a slow rotation of the sample around an axis making an angle of 54o44? relative to the external magnetic field is combined with special RF pulse sequences. With this method spinning speeds as low as 1 Hz could be employed, which makes it possible to use this technique to study large intact tissues and even live mice, as was demonstrated recently. In this project the viability of the PHORMAT approach for in vivo applications is explored. To this end the necessary instrumentation is being developed integrating PHORMAT with MR imaging technologies, the PHORMAT technique will be improved to increase its MR sensitivity and reduce its measuring time, and 1H PHORMAT experiments will be carried out on different organs and tissues of live mice using a 2 Tesla small-animal imaging instrument, available at PNNL. The results will be used to determine the impact of motions in the animal on the spectral resolution, to investigate the quantitative character of the spectra, and to evaluate the possibilities of the PHORMAT approach in high magnetic fields.
Ultimately the project might provide a new unique capability for in vivo MR spectroscopy research in animals that will make it possible to analyze MR metabolite spectra in considerably more detail than could be done previously. This would significantly increase the utility of MR spectroscopy for biomedical research, diagnosis, drug testing, and therapy evaluation in live animals. In fact, the technique may even become useful for examining patients in the clinic, in this case by rotating the magnetic field rather than the patient.
Project Details
Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2004-12-29
End Date
2005-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator