Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
Preparation of an Awake Mouse for Recording Neural Responses and Injecting Tracers
Published on: June 26, 2012
Cranioplastic Surgery and Acclimation Training for Awake Mouse fMRI
Tomokazu Tsurugizawa1,2, Kota Tamada3,4, Clement Debacker5,6
1Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba-City, Ibaraki, Japan.
Abstract:
MRI is a promising tool for translational research to link brain function and structure in animal models of disease to patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. However, given that mouse functional MRI (fMRI) typically relies on anesthetics to suppress head motion and physiological noise, it has been difficult to directly compare brain fMRI in anesthetized mice with that in conscious patients. Here, we developed a new system to acquire fMRI in awake mice, which includes a head positioner and dedicated radio frequency coil. The system was used to investigate functional brain networks in conscious mice, with the goal of enabling future studies to bridge fMRI of disease model animals with human fMRI. Cranioplastic surgery was performed to affix the head mount and the cupped-hand handling method was performed to minimize stress during MRI scanning. Here we describe the new mouse fMRI system, cranioplastic surgery and acclimation protocol. Graphic abstract: Awake fMRI system to investigate the neuronal activity in awaked mice.
Insights
Researchers developed a new awake mouse functional MRI (fMRI) system. This breakthrough allows direct comparison of brain activity between conscious mice and human patients, advancing translational neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is crucial for linking animal models to human neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Anesthetics used in mouse fMRI hinder direct comparison with conscious human fMRI due to suppressed physiological noise and motion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and describe a novel system for acquiring fMRI data in awake mice.
- To enable direct comparison of brain activity between conscious animal models and human patients for translational research.
Main Methods:
- Developed a specialized awake mouse fMRI system with a head positioner and dedicated radio frequency coil.
- Utilized cranioplastic surgery for head mount fixation and a cupped-hand handling method to minimize stress during scanning.
- Established an acclimation protocol for mice undergoing MRI scans.
Main Results:
- Successfully acquired fMRI data from awake mice using the new system.
- Investigated functional brain networks in conscious mice, demonstrating the system's capability.
- The developed system facilitates bridging fMRI studies between animal models and human subjects.
Conclusions:
- The novel awake mouse fMRI system overcomes limitations of anesthetic use in translational research.
- This technology is vital for advancing comparative neuroscience and understanding brain function in health and disease.
- Enables more accurate preclinical research for human neuropsychiatric disorders.
