Eurizon.eu

Organization: INRA

Location: Clermont-Ferrand, France

Field: Neurosciences - Neurophysiology

Abstract:

The raw data from functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) experiments are very rich in information. To confirm and exploit the results obtained in fMRI nonhuman primates (chronic model of Parkinson disease) it's very important to integrate different tools of image analysis in a single platform

Description:

We carry on two studies in fMRI nonhuman primates (chronic model of Parkinson disease after administration of MPTP). The first study focuses on the functional response to the stimulation of limbs in presence or absence of levodopa during the different phases of the parkinson disease.
The second uses fMRI to analyze the effect of pharmacological substances, anti-Parkinsonian agents and analgesics. Mapping changes in neural activity caused by the administration of these substances can identify anatomical areas where these agents have a significant action.

The raw data from MRI experiments are very rich in information. The multiplicity of NMR parameters, often complementary, carry on a concatenation of information at all levels (segmentation, modeling, quantification,...). The data have to be expressed in the same space. An implementation of methods of registration with phases of preprocessing and reconstruction associated with each modality has to be performed. To obtain parametric images associated with morphological images, work must be done on the registration of MR images obtained in animals in relation to anatomical atlas of the primate.
The operating data IRMfi will rely on a statistical analysis software available in the public domain, such as SPM. The use of these existing tools is not trivial. Indeed, they incorporate many different approaches of complex implementing, generally developed for fMRI of humans. Their adaptation to fMRI in animals at high field (3T) is the aim of this work.
The first objective is to rebuild and eventually filter images acquired to limit the influence of noise. This reconstruction step is essential when imaging fast echo planar type is used to reduce geometric distortions.
The next step is to reset all the images together and reconstruct parametric maps (fitting a parametric model in each voxel.

The normalization phase images on atlas, known in humans, require specific developments to be adapted to investigations on the nonhuman primate.
The final stage of mapping of activated areas will use the techniques of event-related fMRI based on measurement and modeling.

Deadline: 30-06-2011

Contacts:

Email: jean-pierre.renou@clermont.inra.fr

Phone number: phone +33 4 73 62 41 97

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