Selective measurement of glycine in human brain by optimal control method at 7 T

Motivation: Glycine is key neurotransmitter associated with the the pathogenesis and imaging of gliomas, yet the non-invasive quantification of it remains a challenge. Goal(s): To selectively measure glycine in human brain. Approach: A new pulse sequence was developed, utilizing optimal control techniques to selectively detect glycine signals while effectively suppressing myo-inositol signals. Results: Experimental results from both phantom models and glioma patient studies confirm the selective detection of glycine. Preliminary data indicate a relationship between glycine signal intensities and glioma distributions. Impact: The use of the developed pulse sequence for the selective measurement of glycine in the human brain may provide possibility for more accurate assessment of glioma aggressiveness.