7 Tesla animal MR system
The 7 tesla MRT for investigations of small animals is an infrastructure measure, with which projects of the Berlin NeuroImaging Center (BNIC) are supported, particulary with regard to neurovascular coupling, molecular imaging and stroke research. By its location in the neuroscientific research center NWFZ at the Charité Berlin an access by further experimental neuroscientific groups was made possible.
The 7 tesla MRI scanner is a Bruker - Pharmascan 70/16 (Bruker Biospin, Ettlingen, Germany) with a H-resonance-frequency of 300 MHz and a maximum gradient strength of 300 mT/m. Data acquisition and image processing are carried out with the Bruker software Paravision 4.0 (and PV 3.0.2).
For investigations at small animals two RF volume resonators for 1H-imaging are available. One with an inner diameter of 38 mm, optimized for the loading with a rat head or a mouse. The second with an inner diameter of 20 mm, optimized for mouse head.
The animal system for use in RF resonators consists of an animal bed with a heated circulating water blanket, a facemask and tooth bar for fixation. Further an anaesthetic apparatus for inhalation narcosis with a isofluran – O2 / N2O - mixture is available.
With the monitoring unit (Model 1025; SA Instruments, Inc.) control of ECG, heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature as well as ECG and respiration triggering are possible.
Support, organization of measurement periods and training takes place over: Dipl.Ing. Susanne Mueller, susanne.mueller1@charite.de; Tel.: +49 (0) 30 450 560 129
Each study is evaluated and advised by the BNIC. By interest please contact Dr.Jens Steinbrink: jens.steinbrink@charite.de; Tel.: +49 (0) 30 450 560114.
