# Simultaneous Downfield and Upfield proton MRSI at 3T

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $497,196

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 In the past, nearly all clinical and research proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies of
human brain metabolism have focused on the resonances upfield (UF) from the water signal. However, over
the last few years it has been demonstrated that there are signals downfield (DF) from water that can be
visualized using appropriate techniques, which may contain important metabolic information. We have recently
shown that it is possible to map these signals throughout the human brain at 3T using 3D magnetic resonance
spectroscopic imaging (MRSI). Furthermore, the clinical applicability of this technique would be significantly
enhanced if it were possible to simultaneously map both UF and DF peaks at the same time.
 In this proposal, a new pulse sequence will be developed for DF-MRSI which will have improved sensitivity
and excitation profiles compared to our current approach. Rigor and reproducibility will be carefully assessed;
the sensitivity and reproducibility of this new approach will be compared to our previously developed DF-MRSI
methodology in 10 healthy subjects scanned at two time points. In addition, assignment of DF metabolite
peaks will be investigated in detail using multiple metabolite solutions scanned under carefully controlled
physiological conditions.
 This novel pulse sequence may also be used for UF-MRSI acquisitions. Reproducibility and congruence
with conventional UF-MRSI acquisition methods will be established, again by the study of 10 healthy
volunteers at two time points. Finally, simultaneous UF- and DF-MRSI will be implemented with optimal
sensitivity for both sides of the spectrum. Again, sensitivity and reproducibility will be compared to sequential
UF- and DF-MRSI measurements made in the same total scan time in 10 healthy subjects at two time points.
 In parallel with the pulse sequence development and data acquisition aims, we will also continue to
develop and disseminate our MRSI post-processing methods as part of our open source ‘Osprey’ software
package, which is available to the clinical neuroscience and neuroimaging communities.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10978830
- **Project number:** 1R01NS134694-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** PETER B BARKER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $497,196
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10978830

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10978830, Simultaneous Downfield and Upfield proton MRSI at 3T (1R01NS134694-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10978830. Licensed CC0.

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