Development of a Hyperpolarized 129Xe Generation System for MRI

将开发必要的仪器，将超极化的氙气-129磁共振成像和光谱学新技术应用于体外和活体动植物的生物学研究。该仪器将包括一个用于产生超极化氙气的光泵室，一个用于向动物输送气体的气体输送系统，以及一个用于去除(产生过程所必需的)Rb蒸气的低温捕集器。这项技术应用于这些系统时，将在磁共振光谱和磁共振成像方面产生更高的灵敏度和对比度。它将有助于阐明以下系统和问题：可兴奋的脂膜的完整性和功能；肺结构与肺机械特性的关系；肺内的气体扩散；大脑中的局部血液流动和氧合；功能皮质图；叶和其他植物器官中的细胞间气体扩散；以及根和叶中的水通量。

Instrumentation necessary to apply the novel technique of hyperpolarized xenon-129 magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to biological investigations conducted in vitro and with living plants and animals will be developed. This instrumentation will include an optical pumping chamber to generate the hyperpolarized xenon, a gas delivery system for administration of the gas to the animal and a low temperature trap for removal of the rubidium vapor (necessary for the generation process). This technique will result in greater sensitivity and contrast in magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging when applied to these systems. It will aid in illuminating such systems and problems as: the integrity and function of excitable lipid membranes; the relation of lung structure to lung mechanical properties; gas diffusion within the lung; regional blood flow and oxygenation in the brain; functional cortical mapping; intercellular gas diffusion in leaves and other plant organs; and water fluxes in roots and leaves.