MR scanner

The state-of-the art Agilent 9.4 T MR scanner in our institute is dedicated to animal research. It offers unique non-invasive imaging capabilites, including superior spatial and temporal resolution imaging which is not achievable with existing other instruments. The instrument is also ideal for acquring high resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). MRS offers a non invasive window on cellular metabolism in vivo.

Our MRI unit includes a well equipped surgery room used for preparing the animals for MR exams and a wide assortment of equipments, i.e. anesthesia machines, MR compatible vital signs monitors, MRI compatible infusion/withdrawal syringe pump. The scanner is located within the animal care facility at OUS-Ullevål.

Researchers both within and outside Regional Health Authority South-East can have access to the scanner. Scientific and technical personnel are available to help in developing MR sequences and scanning procedures as well as to aid imaging processing and to teach investigators and fellows.

Our primary interest is cardiovascular imaging of mice and rats. However, we are also performing experiments in other organ systems.

MR scanner 2011; ongoing research

Our ongoing research includes:

- Cine cardiac imaging for anatomy, ejection fraction, ventricle size and wall thicknesses (Click to show a video: http://www.iemf.no/data/file/file_26.avi)

- Contrast-enhanced imaging of myocardium for identification of infarct.

- Quantification of myocardium viability by high spatial and temporal resolution phase contrast imaging.

- Ultra high resolution anatomical imaging of fixed tissue (~ 25 microns).

- In vivo characterization of prostate growth and response to treatment of prostate cancer.

- In vivo characterization of tumor growth of brain tumor.

- ³¹P MRS of skeletal muscle in rats.

- ¹H and ³¹P MRS of mouse heart.

- White matter fiber characterization using DTI (diffusion tensor imaging) to measure experimental alterations in axons and myelin in the brain and spinal cord.

New research projects using MRI can be started by scheduling an appointment to discuss the project with Professor Ivar Sjaastad . For technical questions please contact Head Engineer Lili Zhang, PhD