Measurement of anesthetic uptake kinetics in the brain using (19)F MRI and cross-correlation analysis after pulsed application.

ABSTRACT

OBJECT We present a pilot study based on (19)F-MRI to measure fast and slow wash-in and wash-out kinetics of volatile anesthetics in pig brain. METHOD: The periodic administration of anesthetics in pulsed mode is used to enhance the sensitivity of the anesthetic concentration detection by (19)F-MRI signal. Temporal correlation analysis allows mapping the kinetics time constants. RESULTS: The clear correlation response to anesthetics concentration changes was found in the brain region in comparison with fatty tissues. CONCLUSION: The methodology may yield important pharmacological findings on regional effect of the anesthetics in brain and be a step towards human studies.