Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy assessment of brain function in experimental animals and man

This paper introduces the basic principles and techniques of functional mag netic resonance imaging (fMRI) and spectroscopy (MRS). Examples are given o f single event human fMRI studies on control subjects, and a graded activat ion protocol applied to Parkinsonian patients. Possibilities are discussed for using fMRI techniques to study the neural substrate of various pharmaco logical agents, including drugs of abuse. The application of these pharmaco logical MRI (phMRI) studies to animal models and the associated technical i ssues are also addressed. The use of MRS in studying brain status and funct ion is reviewed, with particular emphasis on C-13 isotopic labelling studie s.