Neurobiologic applications of magnetic resonance imaging

Research in our laboratory follows a multidisciplinary approach and is centered around two major themes. The first is directed toward understanding the relationship between brain function and metabolism under normal and pathological conditions. The second major area of research is directed toward the development of novel MRI techniques to assess brain function. Recently, we have developed techniques that allow for the measurement of neural activation in conscious animals, ultrafast imaging at high magnetic fields, as well as new methods for introducing contrast in MRI based on motional correlation time.

A combination of multinuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy are the primary tools used in our studies. These techniques are employed to monitor non-invasively neural activity, cerebral hemodynamics, neurotransmitter levels, membrane composition and cellular bioenergetics.

e-mail Dr. Wyrwicz
ph: 847.492.0730
fax: 847.492.0731

• Venkatasubramanian PN, Cordoba J, Tom B, Blei AT, and AM Wyrwicz. (1997) MR Imaging demonstrates swelling of the cerebral cortex in rats with ammonia-induced brain edema. Hepatology 26:175.

• Venkatasubramanian PN, YJ Shen and AM Wyrwicz. (1996) Characterization of the cerebral distribution of general anesthetic in vivo by two-dimensional 19F chemical shift imaging. Mag. Res. Med. 35: 626-630.

Other Links:

• Northwestern University Medical School Department of Anesthesiology