Functional magnetic resonance imaging in rodents: an unique tool to study in vivo pharmacologic neuromodulation

When new compounds targeting the brain are developed, it is important to assess both the acute and chronic effects on brain functioning. This can be done non-invasively using a technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This review discusses the possibilities of both stimulation-based and resting state fMRI to study pharmacological modulations of the rodent brain. Moreover, attention is given to the use of anesthetics which could importantly influence the outcome of both techniques.