Quadrupolar - Low Gamma MRI

Carbon (¹³C) MRI at the MagLab utilizes high magnetic fields to improve the sensitivity of detecting metabolic processes in vivo and in vitro. By focusing on either the direct or indirect detection of the ¹³C isotope, this technique can be used to map metabolic turnover (e.g., during the TCA cycle) and/or energy production within a given tissue, both in living animals and cellular/tissue preparations. As such, the technique can provide direct assessments of viability, activity and metabolism. Coupled with techniques under development (such as hyperpolarization), ¹³C MRI at high field can provide unique and highly sensitive means of interrogating function and energetics in living tissue.

Compatible Scanners

• 900 MHz 105 mm NMR Magnet (Tallahassee)
• 750 MHz 89 mm NMR Magnet (Gainesville)

Compatible Probes

In Tallahassee:

• 21.1 Tesla MRI probe for in-vivo imaging of rats with multiple 1H and 1H–X head coils (NHMFL #35)
• 21.1 Tesla Micro2.5 probe for ex vivo or in vitro MRI with multiple 1H coils (Bruker H13398)

In Gainesville:

For 600 MHz NMR Magnet

• Micro-5 Imaging probe with 5mm 1H, 10mm 1H and 5mm 13C coils
• Diff-30 Diffusion probe with 5mm 1H, 10mm 1H and 5mm 13C coils

For 750 MHz NMR Magnet

• Micro-5 Imaging probe with 5mm 1H, 10mm 1H, 5mm 13C and 5mm 129Xe coils
• Diff-60 Diffusion probe with 5mm 1H, 10mm 1H, 5mm 13C, 5mm 129Xe, 10mm 19F and 10mm 31P coils
• 17.6 Tesla MRI probe for in-vivo imaging of rats with multiple head coils (NHMFL #52)

For more information, please contact Sam Grant (Tallahassee) or Glenn Walter (Gainesville).

MR imaging of low gamma nuclei at the ultra-high magnetic field of 21.1T provides a new opportunity for understanding a variety of biological processes. Among these, chlorine and sodium (see below) are attracting attention for their involvement in brain function and cancer development. Experiments are conducted using Bruker Avance III console with PV5.1 software. MR imaging and the measurement of relaxation times for ³⁵Cl and ²³Na can be accomplished in vivo in rat head using in vivo probe, custom designed at the MagLab. The probe allows performing experiments using a single tuned chlorine radio-frequency (RF) coil tuned for 88.15 MHz or double tuned sodium/proton RF coil (237.5/900 MHz). The inner diameter of the RF coils is 33 mm. A similar birdcage design of the chlorine and sodium coils facilitates comparison of MR signal intensities. The recommended weight of the rat is under 300 g. The concentrations of both nuclei can be evaluated using the center-out back-projection MR imaging methods.

The following instruments can be used with this technique:

• 900 MHz 105 mm NMR Magnet (Tallahassee)

The following probes can be used with this technique:

• 21.1 Tesla MRI probe for in vivo imaging of rats with multiple 1H and 1H–X head coils (NHMFL #35)

For more information, please contact Victor Schepkin.

For more information, please contact Yan-Yan Hu.

The following instruments can be used with this technique:

• 900 MHz 105 mm NMR Magnet (Tallahassee)
• 750 MHz 89 mm NMR Magnet (Gainesville)

For more information, please contact Sam Grant or Glenn Walter.

The following instruments can be used with this technique:

• 900 MHz 105 mm NMR Magnet (Tallahassee)
• 750 MHz 89 mm NMR Magnet (Gainesville)

For more information, please contact Sam Grant.