Non-invasive in-vivo magnetic resonance imaging of microvascular physiology

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Measuring blood flow, vessel size, and other physiological properties of small blood vessels provides valuable information about the health of tissue and the nature of abnormal alterations. Modern medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide a non-invasive way to measure these properties, but they all require the injection of contrast agents. This requirement precludes repeated measurements and is not accessible to very young children and other sensitive subjects. In this proposal, we develop a truly non-invasive MRI platform to measure small vessel structure and function with fine spatial detail - without injecting contrast. This is a novel and transformative technology that will greatly expand the scope of basic and applied research related to small blood vessels. We propose for this new non-invasive MRI approach the use of modified inhaled air, which is safe for everyone, as a substitute for contrast agent injection. To build the initial technical foundation, this proposal will develop the capability to measure the flow, volume, and size of small blood vessels. What is novel in this research is the use and integration of physiology with concepts in imaging, physics, and mathematics. This technology will provide the unique ability to measure structural and functional parameters with fine spatial detail and without contrast injection. No current technique provides similar breadth of information or fine delineation. The impact of this research spans multiple disciplines. It will establish a new direction in engineering and the physical sciences for non-invasive microvascular imaging technology development. It will improve basic biomedical research into studies of normal and disease processes, including drug discoveries for cancer, ischemia, and other vessel-related conditions. The benefits of a repeatable, universally accessible, and truly non-invasive imaging technology will ultimately be reaped for improved disease diagnosis and treatment in humans.