INT14: Measuring pH-Sensitive Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Effects Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

APT CEST is a recently-developed contrast mechanism for use in MRI studies of the brain which is sensitive to pH changes. Pilot studies have shown that a pulsed approach can provide APT contrast within the constraints imposed by clinical human scanners. In this project, the optimal values for essential parameters of the pulsed APT imaging sequence are determined, specifically the prepulse irradiation power (B1 = 0.6μT), repeat time (TR = 6s) and prepulse duration (tp = 30ms). The sensity of the technique to physiological pH changes is also demonstrated through the acquisition of data for pre-and post-exercise calf muscle, which shows APT ratio changes of 3-5%