Functional MRI in conscious rats using electrical stimulation of a hind paw

Human studies utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have advanced our understanding of the regional and functional interplay between populations of neurons serving sensory, integrative and motor functions. Although animal studies allow greater flexibility in experimental design, performing such studies in animals has been difficult, since they are typically anesthetized in order to minimize motion artifacts. In this a study a novel restriction device is used to minimize the interfering motion artifacts from head and body movements. Furthermore, preliminary BOLD fMRI experiment with an electrically evoked cortical brain activation, is performed in fully conscious animal. Signal changes are measured without the use of contrast agents.