High Field MRI/MRS System for Non-human Primates

描述（由申请人提供）：此申请来自范德比尔特大学，寻求获得最先进的高场（4.7T）宽孔（60厘米）垂直磁共振成像/光谱系统的部分资金，该系统用于研究非人灵长类动物（NHP）的中枢神经系统。该系统对于目前nih资助的NHP脑结构和功能神经解剖学项目至关重要。这对于解决fMRI BOLD反应的基本生物物理起源的几个项目也是必不可少的。拟议的设备将为NHPs的体内成像和光谱学提供主要的新能力，从而允许目前nih资助的研究人员进行超出现有设备范围和/或能力的研究。范德比尔特大学对NHPs的MR研究目前仅限于临床3T系统，并且仅限于简要的术前立体定向研究，以指导电极放置。新仪器将获得具有更高信噪比、更高空间和光谱分辨率的结构和功能图像和光谱，以及对某些对比度机制更敏感的图像。提议的系统将有垫片、梯度、射频线圈和其他相关硬件，为NHP研究进行优化，并将基于能够进行各种调制解调器实验的调制解调器控制台和光谱仪。这些新功能将包括非常高分辨率的快速和3D成像，用于白质束成像的改进的扩散加权和扩散张量成像，以及用于区域代谢研究的宽带多核（1H, 31P， 13C等）体内磁共振光谱。该系统将成为新成立的范德比尔特大学成像科学研究所（VUIIS）的一个组成部分，并将被安置在一个新建的建筑中，该建筑已经专门为高场NHP扫描仪设计了一个海湾。它将得到一大批经验丰富的物理学家、工程师和计算机科学家的支持，以及训练有素、合格的支持人员，包括电子工程师和动物技术专家。这些技术专家将协助用户进行实验设计、数据采集和数据分析。拟议的仪器将是一个多用户设施，由一名主任和一名核心工作人员监督，通过一个运营委员会开发和管理，并由一个咨询委员会监督，该委员会负责确保NIH资助的研究人员适当地使用仪器。提议的仪器将显著提高使用NHPs的调查的数量和质量，并将帮助范德比尔特大学实现其加强基础和临床神经科学研究的承诺。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):This application from Vanderbilt University seeks partial funding for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art high field (4.7T) wide bore (60cm) vertical Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Spectroscopy system optimized for studies of the CNS in non-human primates (NHP). This system is essential for several current NIH-funded projects of the structural and functional neuroanatomy of the NHP brain. It is also essential for several projects addressing the fundamental biophysical origins of the fMRI BOLD response. The proposed facility will provide a major new capability for in vivo imaging and spectroscopy in NHPs, thereby permitting current NIH-funded investigators to undertake studies, which are beyond the scope and/or capabilities of existing equipment. MR studies in NHPs at Vanderbilt are currently restricted to a clinical 3T system, and are limited in scope to brief pre-operative stereotaxic studies to guide electrode placement. The new instrument will acquire structural and functional images and spectra that have inherently higher signal to noise ratios, greater spatial and spectral resolution, and images that are more sensitive to some contrast mechanisms. The proposed system will have shim, gradient, and r.f. coils and other associated hardware that are optimized for NHP studies, and will be based upon a modem console and spectrometer capable of a wide array of modem experiments. These new capabilities will include fast and 3D imaging at very high resolution, improved diffusion weighting and diffusion tensor imaging for white matter tractography, and broad-band multi-nuclear (1H, 31P, 13C etc.) in vivo MR spectroscopy for studies of regional metabolism. The system will be an integral part of the newly created Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS), and will be housed in a newly constructed building with a bay already dedicated to and designed for a high field NHP scanner. It will be supported by a large and experienced group of physicists, engineers and computer scientists, and a well trained and qualified support staff, including electronic engineers and animal technologists. These technical experts will assist users in experimental design, data acquisition and data analysis. The proposed instrument will be a multi-user facility, supervised by a director and a core staff, developed and managed via an operating committee, and with oversight by an advisory committee charged with the responsibility of assuring appropriate access to NIH funded investigators. The proposed instrument will significantly increase the number and quality of investigations using NHPs, and will help Vanderbilt University meet its commitment to enhancing basic and clinical neuroscience research.