Awake Animal Imaging
Awake fMRI / phMRI /Fc-Conn/ Resting state analysis
While anesthetics are commonly used to reduce motion in MRI studies, they can have notable effects on the central nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Some anesthetics can even act as vasodilators. To provide a safer and more physiologically relevant alternative, Ekam Imaging offers a comprehensive suite of fMRI, phMRI, and Fc-Conn imaging services that are specifically designed for fully-conscious, unanesthetized animals.
At Ekam, our team of scientists has over 15 years of experience in conducting and analyzing awake preclinical studies. To support these studies, we have developed our own custom radiofrequency coil for awake fMRI. With this technology, we can achieve high-quality images while minimizing motion artifacts and avoiding the potential confounding effects of anesthesia. By working with Ekam, our clients can obtain reliable, accurate, and reproducible data that can inform their drug discovery and development efforts.
Reference:
Ferris, C. F. (2022). “Applications in Awake Animal Magnetic Resonance Imaging.” Front Neurosci 16: 854377.
Ferris, C. F., et al. (2005). “Pup suckling is more rewarding than cocaine: evidence from functional magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional computational analysis.” J Neurosci 25(1): 149-156.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) provides a unique window into the brain, enabling scientists to study and follow changes in brain activity in models of disease such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and others. With fMRI, researchers can investigate alterations in neural activity patterns, connectivity, and functional organization in these models, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Additionally, fMRI has been used to examine changes in brain activity in response to hormones, aging, environment, drugs of abuse, and other stimuli, providing a powerful tool to study the impact of these factors on brain function. For example, fMRI has been used to explore the neural correlates of emotional processing, decision-making, and reward processing in healthy individuals and in individuals with various psychiatric and neurological disorders. Through the use of fMRI, researchers can identify potential biomarkers and better understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of these stimuli on the brain.
Reference:
Ferris, C.F. and Stolberg, T., 2010. Imaging the immediate non-genomic effects of stress hormone on brain activity. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 35(1), pp.5-14.
Kulkarni, P., Stolberg, T., Sullivanjr, J.M. and Ferris, C.F., 2012. Imaging evolutionarily conserved neural networks: preferential activation of the olfactory system by food-related odor. Behavioural brain research, 230(1), pp.201-207.
Ferris, C.F., Kulkarni, P., Toddes, S., Yee, J., Kenkel, W. and Nedelman, M., 2014. Studies on the Q175 knock-in model of huntington’s disease using functional imaging in awake mice: evidence of olfactory dysfunction. Frontiers in neurology, 5.
Pharmacological MRI (phMRI)
PhMRI is a type of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that is used to study changes in brain activity in response to different pharmacological agents, including both experimental and approved drugs. By measuring changes in brain activity, researchers can gain insights into the effects of these drugs on the brain and potential therapeutic targets for different conditions. This technique is particularly useful in preclinical studies, where it can help identify promising new drug candidates and provide insights into their mechanisms of action.
Reference:
Ferris, C.F., Stolberg, T., Kulkarni, P., Murugavel, M., Blanchard, R., Blanchard, D.C., Febo, M., Brevard, M. and Simon, N.G., 2008. Imaging the neural circuitry and chemical control of aggressive motivation. BMC neuroscience, 9(1), p.111.
Madularu, D., Yee, J.R., Kenkel, W.M., Moore, K.A., Kulkarni, P., Shams, W.M., Ferris, C.F. and Brake, W.G., 2015. Integration of neural networks activated by amphetamine in females with different estrogen levels: A functional imaging study in awake rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 56, pp.200-212.
Alkislar, I., A. R. Miller, A. G. Hohmann, A. H. Sadaka, X. Cai, P. Kulkarni and C. F. Ferris (2021). “Inhaled Cannabis Suppresses Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Nociception by Decoupling the Raphe Nucleus: A Functional Imaging Study in Rats.” Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging 6(4): 479-489.
Resting state MRI/ Fc-Conn:
Functional connectivity is a method used to measure the statistical relationship between specific physiological signals over time. This technique is often assessed through BOLD functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The underlying principle behind this approach is that synchronization between two brain regions, whether during rest or a specific task, indicates a form of communication between these areas.
Reference:
Md Taufiq Nasseef, Jai Puneet Singh, Aliza T. Ehrlich, Michael McNicholas, Da Woon Park, Weiya Ma, Praveen Kulkarni, Brigitte L. Kieffer, and Emmanuel Darcq; Oxycodone-Mediated Activation of the Mu Opioid Receptor Reduces Whole Brain Functional Connectivity in Mice. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science 2019 2 (4), 264-274 https://doi.org/10.1021/acsptsci.9b00021
Ortiz, R., J. R. Yee, P. P. Kulkarni, N. G. Solomon, B. Keane, X. Cai, C. F. Ferris and B. S. Cushing (2022). “Differences in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Resting-State Functional Connectivity Between Two Culturally Distinct Populations of Prairie Vole.” Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging 7(6): 588-597.
