Datensatz

Zusammenfassung

Functional MRI in monkeys promises to build a bridge between brain research in humans and the large body of systems neuroscience work in animals [1]. Simultaneous fMRI and electrophysiology was recently used in the anesthetized monkey to elucidate the neural activity underlying the fMRI BOLD signal [2]. Here we present the first results from a novel high field (7T), large-bore (60cm) vertical MR system, in which MR imaging and electrophysiology can be performed in the awake trained monkey (Macaca mulatta). Upright positioning of the animal - being used over the last 50-years in all alert-monkey laboratories, was chosen for fMRI too, to minimize discomfort in the animals, expedite their training process, and ensure longer cooperation during the demanding psychophysical testing.