Nonmagnetic hyperbaric chamber for in vivo NMR spectroscopy studies of small animals

A description is given of the design, construction, and initial use of a polycarbonate resin hyperbaric chamber for in vivo NMR spectroscopy studies of anesthetized, ventilated rats in a horizontal bore 4.7 Tesla magnet. The chamber and its associated equipment, initially used for hyperbaric studies of rats in states of extreme hypercapnia, are also well suited for conventional hyperbaric studies, such as those related to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, oxygen toxicity, and diving. Basic technical challenges that required innovations involved: a) preservation of magnetic field homogeneity; b) avoidance of a metallic chamber body that would overload gradient and RF coils; c) physiological monitoring; and, d) remote control and stabilization of electromagnetic and physiologic factors (especially ventilatory stability) during pressure changes. A small paramagnetic bulk magnetic susceptibility shift from chamber-associated hyperbaric oxygen was observed when chamber oxygen tensions were only one atmosphere. High-quality NMR imaging and spectroscopy were demonstrated during hyperbaric conditions.