Interests

Our research focuses on the development, characterization, and application of MRI methods for quantifying tissue parameters, most importantly exchange between tissue water and macromolecules and metabolites. Such methods have their greatest application in imaging multiple sclerosis (MS).

Projects

We are currently working on developing and applying methods for measuring spin exchange, including developing new methods to detect tissue exchange sites (such as amides) using chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and T1p. Also, we are applying quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) methods to a rat model of multiple sclerosis in order to determine the method's sensitivity to myelin. This work may result in improved methods for research and clinical imaging.

Publications

Z. Zu, K. Li, V.A. Janve, M.D. Does, D.F. Gochberg. Designing pulsed-chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging sequences; Magn Reson Med (under review);

K. Li, Z. Zu, J. Xu, V.A. Janve, J.C. Gore, M.D. Does, D.F. Gochberg. Optimized inversion recovery sequences for quantitative T1 and magnetization transfer imaging; Magn Reson Med 2010; 64: 491-500.

X. Ou, S.W. Sun, H.F. Liang, S.K. Song, D.F. Gochberg. The MT pool size ratio and DTI radial diffusivity may reflect the myelination in shiverer and control mice; NMR in Biomed 2009; 22: 480-487.

X. Ou, S.W. Sun, H.F. Liang, S.K. Song, D.F. Gochberg. Quantitative magnetization transfer measured pool-size ratio reflects optic nerve myelin content in ex vivo mice; Magn Reson Med 2009; 61(2): 364-371.

X. Ou, D.F. Gochberg. MT effects and T1 quantification in single slice spoiled gradient echo imaging. Magn Reson Med 2008; 59 (4):835-845.