Characterizing Zero Echo Time fMRI in a Mouse Model

Motivation: Zero-TE fMRI offers researchers a valuable tool for enabling more efficient and effective awake animal imaging. However, this has yet to be tested and validated in mice, a popular species in fMRI studies. Goal(s): The goal of this study is to validate using zero-TE fMRI in a mouse model, through signal analysis and characterization, and later connectivity comparisons/analyses. Approach: 10 anesthetized (1.1%iso) mice were scanned for resting-state and stimulation-based fMRI at 9.4T, acquired using EPI and ZTE; the reconstructed data were then characterized. Results: This study presents evidence that though ZTE signal differs from EPI signal, there is still sufficient overlap in connectivity. Impact: This study presents evidence that ZTE is an effective alternative to EPI in fMRI studies. If employed, this will address several issues researchers currently face (motion artifacts, signal loss, etc.), while still ensuring functional contrast is produced.