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Abstract #2042

BOLD FMRI Using a Cryogenic RF Probe: A Concept for Studying Temperature Perception in Transgenic Mouse Models

Henning Matthias Reimann1, Jan Hentschel1, Babette Wagenhaus1, Andreas Pohlmann1, Thoralf Niendorf1, 2

1Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrck-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany; 2Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a joint cooperation between the Charit Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrck-Center, Berlin, Germany

Only little is known about the temperature perception and regulation mechanisms in mammals. The combination of fMRI and genetic modifications in rodents has great potential to help elucidating the role of the various proteins involved in the underlying pathways. Here we demonstrate the successful adaptation of an MR-optimized thermo-stimulation system to mice fMRI, which is of particular interest considering the numerous transgenic strains used in biomedical research of thermal perception. Moreover this report is the first that demonstrates fMRI activations for cold stimuli in mice. Signal-to-noise ratio was enhanced by using a cryogenic RF probe. Based on the concepts and results reported here we anticipate to extend our fMRI explorations into temperature perception and regulation mechanisms in mice with the ultimate goal to characterize the cold sensing transient receptor potential channel TRPM8.

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Keywords

activation activations actual adaptation adapted agent allows animals anterior anticipate applying artificially atlas beside biomedical biomedicine blocking bold brain calibration cell channel clinical coil cold combination complied comprehensive concept concepts considering consistent constant control cooling copper corrected cortex cryogenic determined device distribution driving element elucidating enhanced error ethical every examine experimental explorations facility feasibility feedback fiber field findings genetic goal great heat heating help implementation induced introduced intubated joint known legal limbic little local mammals maps mechanisms medial medical mice miniature models molecular motion mouse nervous neuromuscular noise numerous optic optimized pain paradigms paralyzed particular particularly peak perception performance physiological pilot position potential previously probe proposed proteins quadrature rats real receptor registered regulation repetitions reported representations reproducible requirements reservoirs rise rodents schematic sensing sensor smoothed software stable stimulation stimulations stimuli stimulus strains studies successful supports surface system table temperature temperatures tempered thalamus thermal thermo transducer transient ultimate various ventilated view water