Resting state fMRI in small animals: a new angle for assessing neuroplasticity ?

This project has a double purpose. The first objective is implementation and optimization of 'resting state fRMI' in control rats as a proof of principle. Most of the research is done in humans and only a few studies on animals are reported. It will be a challenge to develop a scanning and analysis protocol with optimal parameters for scanning, anesthesia and data-processing. Subsequently the implementation and optimization will be extended to songbirds. The second objective is to understand the accordance of low frequent fluctuations measured during resting state in different brain regions and the anatomical and functional connectivity of these regions (as observed with DTI en MEMRI).

Keywords:FMRI, NEUROPLASTICITY

Disciplines:Medical imaging and therapy, Neurosciences, Other paramedical sciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing