Open-source hardware designs for MRI of mice, rats, and marmosets: Integrated animal holders and radiofrequency coils.

摘要: Abstract Background Small-animal MRI is an important investigative tool for basic and preclinical research. High-resolution anatomical functional studies of the brain require artifact-free images that are acquired with a highly sensitive radiofrequency (RF) coil. New Method The animal holder plays role in mitigating image artifacts: motion artifacts reduced by immobilizing geometric-distortion accurately positioning to improve static-field shimming. RF coil, turn, must provide high sensitivity over whole not physically interfere holder. To accomplish these tasks, coil should be designed tandem. In this manuscript, holders coils mice, rats, marmoset monkeys described. Each includes components anesthesia delivery immobilization, as well compatible receive Results/Comparison Existing Method(s) Animal were capable accurate reproducible (for marmoset, was stereotactic plane), consequently reducing geometric distortion echo-planar images. Ear bars conjunction receive-coil formers, thereby maximizing region coils, while concurrently less than pixel EPI time series. Motion SNR quantified facilitate direct comparison existing coils. All computer-aided-design (CAD) files provided promote dissemination. Conclusions confluence design between provides pragmatic solution routine imaging small animals.