General technical remarks on ¹HMRS translational research in 7T

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biophysics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹HMRS) is a powerful non-invasive tool for assessing brain neurochemistry.
• Translational research requires robust methodologies applicable across preclinical and clinical settings.
• High magnetic field strengths, such as 7 Tesla (7T), offer enhanced spectral resolution and sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share practical experiences of preclinical (rodent) and clinical (human) ¹HMRS studies using a 7T scanner.
• To evaluate the feasibility and comparability of 7T ¹HMRS in translational research.
• To highlight the specificities of 7T ¹HMRS in both preclinical and clinical contexts.

Main Methods:

• ¹HMRS studies were performed on human volunteers and rodents using a 7T scanner (Discovery 950 GE for humans, Bruker for rodents).
• The PRESS sequence was utilized with specific volumes of interest (VOI) placed in the white matter (human) and hippocampus (rodent).
• Standardized acquisition parameters and data processing were considered for comparability.

Main Results:

• 7T ¹HMRS yielded comparable neurochemical profiles and spectral resolution in both human and rat brains.
• Key metabolites including NAA, Glu, Gln, Ins, Cho, Cr, PCr, Tau, GABA, Lac, NAAG, and Asp were identified in both species.
• Specific metabolite signals (e.g., Gln/Glu, Cr/PCr/GABA, Cho/Tau) were well-resolved and quantifiable in both human and rat spectra.

Conclusions:

• 7T ¹HMRS demonstrates significant potential for advancing the understanding of neurological diseases through translational research.
• The study highlights the successful application of 7T ¹HMRS in bridging preclinical animal models with clinical human studies.
• Awareness of technical and methodological differences between preclinical and clinical 7T ¹HMRS is crucial for accurate data interpretation and application.