Open-Field Mouse Brain PET: Towards a System for Simultaneous Brain PET and Behavioral Analysis in Small Animals

PET imaging provides unique insights into neurochemical signaling in the brain following stimulation but is limited by the need to anaesthetize the subject. The Open-Field Mouse Brain PET, currently under development at our lab, will overcome this limitation by enabling imaging of a fully awake and freely moving mouse. To do so, our system relies on three major components: high-resolution DoI detectors, a motion-adaptative gantry and continuous motion tracking for motion-compensated image reconstruction. Here we present the current progress and the remaining challenges to complete the fully integrated system. The first detectors and electronics have been assembled, the gantry motion control has been optimized, and the image reconstruction for the unique geometry is implemented and currently undergoing validation. Once completed, the Openfield PET system will play an important role in answering fundamental questions about how the mammalian brain regulates behavioral adaptation to a changing environment.