Photoacoustic imaging of functional domains on primary motor cortex of monkeys

描述（由申请人提供）：灵长类动物大脑的功能检测具有特别的优势，因为非人类灵长类动物大脑与人类大脑之间存在相似性，并且可能与中风和帕金森病等广泛的疾病相关。在本研究中，我们利用光声成像（PAI）检测恒河猴初级运动皮层的功能变化。在恒河猴中，初级运动皮层埋在中央前回中，它延伸到表面以下8-9毫米。因此，PAI成像深层结构的优势对这一应用特别有利。综上所述，利用PAI检测灵长类动物脑功能的优点包括：(1)不需要切开硬脑膜，因此是一种微创的过程；(2)检测光吸收特性，具有固有的灵敏度和高对比度；(3)皮层埋藏结构成像；(4)分辨率~100 5m；(5)潜在的PAI可以实时进行。本研究的长期目标是将PAI发展成为灵长类动物研究中高分辨率功能性脑成像的合格工具。目前研究的目的是测试PAI在灵长类动物大脑激活检测中的可行性，使用微创程序。建立一个微创的研究程序是很重要的，因为它减少了动物的压力，同时研究可以在一个友好的环境中进行，以产生高度可靠的结果。本研究的基本假设是PAI可以通过硬脑膜可靠地检测与恒河猴前肢运动相关的初级运动皮层激活，并提供深度分辨的功能信息。本研究的具体目的包括：(1)构建猴脑皮层PAI成像系统；(2)在猴子大脑皮层上生成结构和功能图像；(3)比较PAI与其他已有技术的灵敏度和分辨率。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Functional detection in primate brains has particular advantages because of the similarity between non-human primate brain and human brain and the potential for relevance to a wide range of conditions such as stroke and Parkinson's disease. In the proposed research, we use photoacoustic imaging (PAI) to detect functional changes at primary motor cortex of rhesus monkeys. In a rhesus monkey, primary motor cortex is buried in the precentral gyrus, which extends down 8-9 mm below the surface. Therefore, the advantage of PAI for imaging deeper structures is particularly beneficial for this application. In summary, the advantages of utilizing PAI for the detection of primate brain function include: (1) durotomy is not required, therefore, it is a minimal-invasive process; (2) detecting optical absorption properties, which is intrinsically sensitive and provide high contrast; (3) imaging buried cortical structures; (4) high-resolution of ~100 5m; (5) potentially PAI can be performed in real-time. The long term goal of this research is to develop PAI as a qualified tool for high-resolution functional brain imaging in primate research. The objective of current research is to test the feasibility of PAI for detection of primate brain activation using a minimal-invasive procedure. The establishment of a minimal-invasive procedure for research is important because it reduces the stress on the animal while studies can be carried out in a friendly environment to produce highly reliable results. The underlying hypothesis of this proposal is that PAI can reliably detect primary motor cortex activation associated with forelimb movement in rhesus macaques through the dura matter, and provide depth-resolved functional information. The specific aims of this study include (1) to construct a PAI system for monkey brain cortex imaging; (2) to produce both structural and functional images on monkey brain cortex; (3) to compare the sensitivity and resolution of PAI with other established techniques. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: In this project, we propose to test the feasibility of photoacoustic imaging technique for brain function imaging in non-human primates. With photoacoustic imaging, buried cortical structures might be imaged with optical contrast at ultrasound resolution. The success of this project will potentially contribute to studies involving stroke and Parkinson's disease in non- human primates.