Single-shot echo-planar functional magnetic resonance imaging of representations of the fore- and hindpaws in the somatosensory cortex of rats using an 11.7 T microimager.

Most of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments have been performed on horizontal bore magnets. Here, we present practical aspects of fMRI based on single-shot, spin-echo echo-planar imaging (EPI) using a widely available, cost effective 89 mm bore vertical 11.7 T microimager. It was demonstrated that reproducible, high-quality fMRI data can be obtained from alpha-chloralose anesthetized adult rat brain. Both coronal and the more extended horizontal EPI images were acquired to measure blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) responses to electrical stimulation of fore- and hindpaws. The BOLD patterns observed match the known representations of fore- and hindpaws in the somatosensory cortex in rats. Preliminary results on BOLD signal enhancement using aminophylline are also presented.