Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra

J Vis Exp. 2021 Sep 8:(175):10.3791/62493. doi: 10.3791/62493.

Abstract

The dopaminergic system plays a crucial role in healthy cognition (e.g., reward learning and uncertainty) and neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia). Neuromelanin is a byproduct of dopamine synthesis that accumulates in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra. Neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (NM-MRI) is a noninvasive method for measuring neuromelanin in those dopaminergic neurons, providing a direct measure of dopaminergic cell loss in the substantia nigra and a proxy measure of dopamine function. Although NM-MRI has been shown to be useful for studying various neuropsychiatric disorders, it is challenged by a limited field-of-view in the inferior-superior direction resulting in the potential loss of data from the accidental exclusion of part of the substantia nigra. In addition, the field is lacking a standardized protocol for the acquisition of NM-MRI data, a critical step in facilitating large-scale multisite studies and translation into the clinic. This protocol describes a step-by-step NM-MRI volume placement procedure and online quality control checks to ensure the acquisition of good-quality data covering the entire substantia nigra.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Dopamine
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Melanins*
  • Substantia Nigra* / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Melanins
  • neuromelanin
  • Dopamine