A non-invasive approach to awake mouse fMRI compatible with multi-modal techniques.

ABSTRACT: Mouse functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies contribute significantly to basic fundamental and translational neuroscience research. Performing fMRI in awake mice could facilitate complex tasks in the magnet and improve translational validity by avoiding anesthesia-related neural and neurovascular changes. Existing surgical approaches provide excellent motion control but are not desirable for all experiments aiming to scan awake mice. These include studies with transgenic mouse lines that are vulnerable to anesthesia or mice in longitudinal studies involving cognition. To address these needs, we propose a non-invasive restraint to scan mice in the awake state. The restraint was designed to be compatible with brain stimulation and recording approaches often combined with fMRI.

SUBMITTER: Laxer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12511802 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature