Modo M, Bulte JWM, eds. Magnetic Resonance Neuroimaging: Materials and Protocols. Humana Press; 2011; 598 pages; $129.99.
The advent of noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and its methodological variations have enabled scientists and clinicians to unravel the functional and structural complexities of living human and animal brains in normal and pathological conditions. This edited book provides methodological descriptions of some of the existing and recently developed MRI techniques.
This book contains 30 chapters spread across 598 pages, with contributions from over 70 researchers. The chapters are grouped into two sections: “General Techniques” and “Specific Applications.” Fifteen chapters describe novel MRI techniques or methodologies with sample protocols for use in animal models of disease; two chapters (MRI Safety, and Image processing arithmetic) are either common to MRI or specific to software used by some researchers, and a chapter on “Brain Redox Imaging” includes an uncommon electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) method. Only 12 chapters show the use of MRI techniques in humans.
The “General Techniques” section includes topics such as quantitative water content and relaxation time measurements (qMRI), diffusion tensor imaging, manganese-enhanced MRI, sodium MRI, proton MR spectroscopy, amide proton transfer imaging, imaging brain iron, reporter gene MRI, combined fMRI and EEG measurements, MR angiography, and perfusion MRI. The chapters on the qMRI methods for measuring the absolute water content, T1, T2, and myelin water fraction of the brain provide a thorough description of the issues involved in making such measurements, mathematical equations used for calculating these parameters, and sample applications of the methods by comparing healthy and pathological conditions. These chapters are well written by leading experts in the relevant areas (Drs. NJ Shah and SCL Deoni).
The less well known topics in this section are amide proton transfer imaging, MRI-based mouse brain atlas, and MRI reporter genes. Amide proton transfer imaging technique maps endogenous mobile proteins and peptides in the brain using a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) enhancement method. Though the technique is not optimally developed, the author has provided a protocol for those interested in using it. The chapter on MRI-based mouse brain atlas and its applications describes the method used for deriving mouse brain atlases and their potential use in computer-assisted analysis of mouse brain phenotypes. The MRI Reporter Genes chapter provides a brief chronological development of reporter genes for MRI using the CEST method and a protocol for those interested. Other chapters in this section adequately cover the topics for novice researchers.
The section on “Specific Applications” includes14 chapters containing several cutting-edge applications of MRI such as MRI phenotyping of genetically altered mice, gene targeting MRI using nucleic acid-based MR probes, MRI probes that target endothelial adhension molecules for detecting CNS inflammation, brain redox imaging by EPRI and MRI methods using BBB permeable nitroxyl contrast agents, MRI of transplanted neural stem cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIOs), MRI in rodent models of experimental glioma, stroke, neural plasticity and Parkinson’s disease, and detecting amyloid-beta plaque in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. The last chapter provides a detailed protocol for using MRI-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) technique for both brain thermal ablation and reversible disruption of BBB to allow macromolecular drugs into the brain in an animal model.
In summary, this edited book provides an overview of new and emerging MRI techniques and their potential applications. The quality of figures is generally good, though a few of the figures are too small or poorly contrasted with the backgrounds. Some chapters provide an exhaustive list of previous publications whereas others are limited to pertinent references relevant to the topic. Considering the material composition of the chapters, this book will likely be useful in research and teaching settings rather than in clinical practice settings.
