Advantages and challenges of small animal magnetic resonance imaging as a translational tool

The utilization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods in rodent models of psychiatric disorders provides considerable benefits for the identification of disease-associated brain circuits and metabolic changes. In this review, we discuss advantages and challenges of animal MRI and provide an overview of the major structural (voxel-based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging) and functional approaches [resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), regional cerebral blood volume measurement and arterial spin labelling] that are applied in animal MRI research. The review mainly focuses on rs-fMRI and MRS. Finally, we take a look at some recent developments and refinements in the field.