Noninvasive Devices for fMRI Studies in Drug Abuse -II

描述(申请人提供)：Insight神经成像系统有限责任公司(INSL)的使命是开发和制造用于研究大脑发育、化学和功能的非侵入性工具。INSL专门生产用于动物研究的超高场磁共振成像射频线圈。MR信号通过用于射频发射和接收的双线圈设计进行优化。双线圈射频电子设备内置于定制设计的限制器中，以最小的压力和对动物的不适感进行非侵入性成像。INSL产品已经成功地用于成像完全清醒的啮齿动物和小猴子。在STTR第一阶段的资助下，INSL为大型恒河猴开发、建造并进行了台架测试的双线圈动物约束装置。第一阶段的第一阶段资金将用于实地测试、产品优化，以及在恒河猴系统中纳入认知研究的操作员控制面板和监测器。在实地研究期间，猴子将接受模拟成像程序的测试，以使它们适应抑制器的压力。此后，受试者将在控制和刺激条件下对功能变化进行成像。根据习惯化和成像研究的结果，将对抑制器和射频电子学进行修改，以优化恒河猴系统。INSL恒河猴系统可以适用于数以千计的水平人体扫描仪以及数百个专用的水平动物系统中的任何一个。这项技术将极大地加强在发育神经生物学、神经疾病、精神疾病和药物成瘾方面的临床前研究。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Insight Neuroimaging System's, LLC (INSL) mission is to develop and manufacture non-invasive tools for studying brain development, chemistry and function. INSL specializes in radiofrequency coils for ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging for use in animal studies. MR signal is optimized by a dual coil design for RF transmission and reception. The dual coil RF electronics are built into custom, designed restrainers for non-invasive imaging with minimal stress and discomfort to the animal. INSL products have been successfully used to image fully conscious rodents and small monkeys. With STTR Phase I funding INSL developed, constructed and bench tested dual-coil animal restrainer for the large rhesus monkey. Phase I I funding will be used for field-testing, product optimization, and incorporation of an operant control panel and monitor for cognitive studies in the rhesus system. During field studies monkeys will been tested in a simulated imaging procedure to habituate them to the stress of the restrainer. Thereafter, subjects will be imaged for functional changes under control and stimulated conditions. Based upon the results of the habituation and the imaging studies, modifications will be made in the restrainer and RF electronics to optirnize the rhesus system. The INSL rhesus system can be adapted to any of the thousands of horizontal, human scanners as well as the many hundreds of dedicated horizontal animal systerns. This technology will greatly enhance preclinical research in developmental neurobiology, neurological diseases, mental illness and drug addiction.