Hans F. Wehrl1, Florian C. Maier1,
Petros Martirosian2, Gerald Reischl3, Fritz Schick2,
Bernd J. Pichler1
1Laboratory for Preclinical
Imaging & Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation, University
of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; 2Section on Experimental
Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; 3Radiopharmacy
& PET-Center, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
Brain activation was studied by small animal [15O]H2O PET and BOLD fMRI measurements. Qualitatively PET and MR activation information correlates, however discrepancies are observed concerning the statistical significance, spatial extend as well as spatial location of the activation centers, which arise from methodological as well as physiological differences between the observed PET and MR signal. These studies open the scene for further research of brain metabolism using PET/MR imaging techniques, combining the sensitivity of PET with the the functional imaging capabilities of MR.