Verification of proton density change in spinal cord fMRI

Abstract

The existence of a second contrast mechanism, Signal Enhancement due to Extravascular Proton, other than the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent, was reported in functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of the brain and spinal cord. This mechanism was suggested to be due to the task-induced increase of extravascular proton density. In the current study, we are trying to show the existence of proton density change in the spinal cords by using low field proton density weighted magnetic resonance imaging. In the experiment, motor task with a block design paradigm was used to give stimulation to normal subjects. Activation correlating with neural anatomy was detected. This paper verifies that there is proton density change in the spinal cord during functional activation.