Neurovascular activity and coupling (hemodynamic response to metabolic activity) may be detected utilizing blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effect in functional MRI studies. Fast imaging sequences detect well-localized activations (e.g., at somatosensory cortex after forepaw stimulation).
Cerebral activity following acute drug administration (single challenge) and CNS adaptation to medication may be detected using BOLD paradigm or relative CBV (rCBV) as detected by MION-MRI. Results provide insight into brain physiology and neuropharmacological mechanisms.