Awake Rat Brain Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Standard Radio Frequency Coils and a 3D Printed Restraint Kit.

ABSTRACT: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a powerful noninvasive tool for studying spontaneous resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) in laboratory animals. Brain function can be significantly affected by generally used anesthetics, however, rendering the need for awake imaging. Only a few different awake animal habituation protocols have been presented, and there is a critical need for practical and improved low-stress techniques. Here we demonstrate a novel restraint approach for awake rat RSFC studies. Our custom-made 3D printed restraint kit is compatible with a standard Bruker Biospin MRI rat bed, rat brain receiver coil, and volume transmitter coil. We also implemented a progressive habituation protocol aiming to minimize the stress experienced by the rats, and compared R

SUBMITTER: Stenroos P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6109636 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature