Manganese enhanced MRI (MEMRI): a molecular imaging tool to study neuron function

锰增强磁共振成像(MEMRI)：一种研究神经元功能的分子成像工具建议研究：这项研究将使用磁共振成像来对进行记忆和熟练爪子运动的大鼠的脑功能进行成像。锰是活细胞中一种重要的微量元素，是天然存在的。让我能够做到这一点的工具是一种新开发的技术，称为锰增强磁共振成像(MEMRI)。在MEMRI技术中，一种含有非常少量锰的溶液被注射到动物体内。溶液中的锰离子与钙离子具有相同的电子构型。像大脑中的神经元一样，细胞也有钙离子通道，将钙离子运入和运出细胞。钙参与脑细胞的活动或激发。锰通过钙通道进入细胞。一旦锰进入细胞，它就会在细胞周围运输。锰的磁性使得锰的存在会在核磁共振图像上形成一个亮点。由于对锰的摄取与脑细胞的活动成正比，因此图像中的亮点与大脑活动有关。因此，MEMRI技术已经在大脑活动的成像区域取得了成功。这项技术的美妙之处在于可以注射锰，执行一项任务，比如训练大鼠在游泳池里找到一个隐藏的平台，然后进行核磁共振成像。这项研究将尝试将MEMRI与大鼠的行为任务结合起来，开发一种新的工具来观察大脑功能。以前的文献已经得出结论，在MEMRI使用的浓度中，它不会影响大鼠。然而，高水平的锰在帕金森氏症中起着一定的作用。我们的研究将仔细观察老鼠熟练的爪子运动，以寻找任何对动物有不利影响的迹象。最后，我将尝试改进成像方法，使其对锰的存在更敏感，从而降低剂量。

Manganese Enhanced MRI (MEMRI): A Molecular Imaging Tool to Study Neuron Function Proposed Research: This research will use Magnetic Resonance Imaging to image brain function of rats performing memory and skilled paw movements. Manganese is an important trace element in living cells and is naturally present. The tool that will allow me to do this is a newly developed technique called manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or MEMRI.  In the MEMRI technique, a solution containing very small amounts of manganese is injected in the animal. The manganese ion in solution has the same electron configuration as a calcium ion. Cells like Neurons in the brain have calcium channels that transport calcium in and out of the cells. Calcium is involved in the activity or firing of the brain cells. Manganese passes through the calcium channels and gets into the cells. Once the manganese is in the cells, it will be transported around the cells. The magnetic properties of manganese are such that the presence of manganese will make a bright spot on an MRI image. Since the uptake of the manganese, is proportional to the activity of the brain cells, the bright spots in the images are related to brain activity.   The MEMRI technique has been successful in imaging regions of brain activity. The beauty of this technique is that the manganese can be injected, a task such as training the rat to find a hidden platform in a swimming pool performed and then the MRI imaging taken.  This research will attempt to use MEMRI with behavioural task in rats to develop a new tool to look at brain function. Previous literature has concluded that in the concentrations used in MEMRI, that it does not affect the rats. However, high levels of manganese play a role in Parkinson's disease. Our research will look carefully at the skilled paw movements of the rats to look for any indications that there is an adverse affect on the animal. And finally, I will attempt to improve the imaging methods to be more sensitive to the presence of manganese so that the dose can be lowered.