Noninvasive Devices for fMRI Studies in Drug Abuse -II

描述（由申请人提供）：Insight Neuroimaging System's, LLC （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专门从事用于动物研究的超高场磁共振成像的射频线圈。磁共振信号通过射频传输和接收的双线圈设计进行了优化。双线圈射频电子设备内置在定制的设计约束器中，用于非侵入性成像，对动物的压力和不适最小。INSL产品已成功用于对完全有意识的啮齿动物和小猴子进行成像。在STTR第一期的资助下，INSL为大型恒河猴开发、制造和实验测试了双线圈动物约束器。第一阶段的资金将用于现场测试，产品优化，并结合一个操作控制面板和猕猴系统的认知研究监视器。在实地研究中，将对猴子进行模拟成像程序测试，以使它们适应约束器的压力。之后，将对受试者在控制和刺激条件下的功能变化进行成像。根据习惯化和成像研究的结果，将对抑制器和射频电子设备进行修改，以优化恒河猴系统。该INSL恒河系统可以适应任何数以千计的水平，人体扫描仪以及数百个专用的水平动物系统。这项技术将极大地促进发育神经生物学、神经系统疾病、精神疾病和药物成瘾的临床前研究。

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.