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Normothermic mouse functional MRI of acute focal thermostimulation for probing nociception

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Item Type:Article
Title:Normothermic mouse functional MRI of acute focal thermostimulation for probing nociception
Creators Name:Reimann, H.M. and Hentschel, J. and Marek, J. and Huelnhagen, T. and Todiras, M. and Kox, S. and Waiczies, S. and Hodge, R. and Bader, M. and Pohlmann, A. and Niendorf, T.
Abstract:Combining mouse genomics and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides a promising tool to unravel the molecular mechanisms of chronic pain. Probing murine nociception via the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effect is still challenging due to methodological constraints. Here we report on the reproducible application of acute noxious heat stimuli to examine the feasibility and limitations of functional brain mapping for central pain processing in mice. Recent technical and procedural advances were applied for enhanced BOLD signal detection and a tight control of physiological parameters. The latter includes the development of a novel mouse cradle designed to maintain whole-body normothermia in anesthetized mice during fMRI in a way that reflects the thermal status of awake, resting mice. Applying mild noxious heat stimuli to wildtype mice resulted in highly significant BOLD patterns in anatomical brain structures forming the pain matrix, which comprise temporal signal intensity changes of up to 6% magnitude. We also observed sub-threshold correlation patterns in large areas of the brain, as well as alterations in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in response to the applied stimulus.
Keywords:Body Temperature, Brain Mapping, Feasibility Studies, Heart, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nociception, Oxygen, Physical Stimulation, Temperature, Animals, Mice
Source:Scientific Reports
ISSN:2045-2322
Publisher:Nature Publishing Group
Volume:6
Page Range:17230
Date:29 January 2016
Official Publication:https://doi.org/10.1038/srep17230
PubMed:View item in PubMed

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