Physiological Projects

Newly developed magnetic resonance spectroscopy methodology may enable a more profound understanding of healthy and pathological physiology and metabolic pathways since spatial specificity along with the number of detectable metabolites is increased and quantification is more precise. In addition, these methods are evaluated regarding their relevance for clinical diagnostics.

For specific physiological or pathophysiological studies state-of-the-art static or dynamic in vivo MR spectroscopy methodology is combined with structural and functional MRI techniques such as high resolution anatomical and vascular imaging, diffusion weighted imaging, nerve and muscle fiber tracking, measuring task dependent brain activations by functional MRI as well as flow and perfusion measurements. Physiological studies usually require assessment of additional physiological or clinical parameters and might profit from combination with PET, EEG, MEG or translational studies in humans and animals.

Physiological studies are typically joint projects with collaborators with physiological or clinical background and/or expertise in a complementary imaging method.

Current physiological studies concentrate on following topics:

• Psychiatric Disorders
• Neurological Disorders
• Muscle physiology