Manganese Dynamics in Mouse Brain After Systemic MnCl Administration for Activation-Induced Manganese-Enhanced MRI.

Activation-induced manganese-enhanced MRI (AIM-MRI) is an attractive tool for non-invasively mapping whole brain activities. Manganese ions (Mn) enter and accumulate in active neurons via calcium channels. Mn shortens the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) of H, and the longitudinal relaxation rate R1 (1/T1) is proportional to Mn concentration.

Visualization of Brain Activity in a Neuropathic Pain Model Using Quantitative Activity-Dependent Manganese Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Human brain imaging studies have revealed several regions that are activated in patients with chronic pain. In rodent brains, functional changes due to chronic pain have not been fully elucidated, as brain imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) require the use of anesthesia to suppress movement. Consequently, conclusions derived from existing imaging studies in rodents may not accurately reflect brain activity under awake conditions.