Physiologically evoked neuronal current MRI in a bloodless turtle brain: detectable or not?

ABSTRACT: Contradictory reports regarding the detection of neuronal currents have left the feasibility of neuronal current MRI (ncMRI) an open question. Most previous ncMRI studies in human subjects are suspect due to their inability to separate or eliminate hemodynamic effects. In this study, we used a bloodless turtle brain preparation that eliminates hemodynamic effects, to explore the feasibility of detecting visually-evoked ncMRI signals at 9.4 T. Intact turtle brains, with eyes attached, were dissected from the cranium and placed in artificial cerebral spinal fluid. Light flashes were delivered to the eyes to evoke neuronal activity. Local field potential (LFP) and MRI signals were measured in an interleaved fashion. Robust visually-evoked LFP signals were observed in turtle brains, but no sig

SUBMITTER: Luo Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3860745 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature